Hiv inhibiting pyrimidines derivatives

ABSTRACT

This invention concerns HIV replication inhibitors of formula (I) the N-oxides, the pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts, the quaternary amines and the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, wherein the ring containing -a 1 =a 2 -a 3 =a 4 - and -b 1 =b 2 -b 3 =b 4 - represents pheynl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pirazinyl, pyridazinyl;n is 0 to 5; m is 1 to 4; R 1  is hydrogen; aryl; formyl; C 1-6 alkylcarbonyl; C 1-6 alkyl; C 1-6 alkyloxycarbonyl, substituted C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkylcarbonyl; R 2  is hydroxy, halo, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyl, C 3-7 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C 2-6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2-6 alkynyl, C 1-6 alkyloxy, C 1-6 alkyloxycarbonyl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amino, mono- or di(C 1-6 alkyl)amino, polyhalomethyl, polyhalomethyloxy, polyhalomethylthio, —S(═O) p R 6 , —NH—S(═O) p R 6 , —C(═O)R 6 , —NHC(═O)H, —C(═O)NHNH?2?, —NHC(═O)R 6 , —C(═NH)R 6  or a 5-membered hetrocycl; X 1  is —NR 5 —, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, C 1-4 alkanediyl, —CHOH—, —S—, —S(═O) p —, —X 2 —C 1-4 alkanediyl- or —C 1-4 alkanediyl-X 2 —; R 3  is NHR 13 , NR 13 R 14 ; —C(═O)—NHR 13 ; —C(═O)—NR 13 R 14 ; —C(═O)—R 15 ; —CH═N—NH—C(═O)—R 16 ; substituted C 1-6 alkyl; optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyloxyC 1-6 alkyl; substituted C 2-6 alkenyl; substituted C 2-6 alkynyl; substituted C 2-6 alkylenyl; C 1-6 alkyl substituted with hydroxy and a second substituent; —C(═N—O—R 8 )—C 1-4 alkyl; R 7 ; or —X 3 —R 7 ; R 4  is halo, hydroxy, C 1-6 alkyl, C 3-7 cycloalkyl, C 1-6 alkyloxy, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC 1-6 alkyl, polyhaloC 1-6 alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, C 1-6 alkyloxycarbonyl, C 1-6 alkylcarbonyl, formyl, amino, mono- or di(C 1-4 alkyl) amino; their use as a medicine, their processes for preparation and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.

[0001] The present invention is concerned with pyrimidine derivatives having HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) replication inhibiting properties. The invention further relates to methods for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them. The invention also relates to the use of said compounds for the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention or the treatment of HIV infection.

[0002] Compounds structurally related to the present compounds are disclosed in the prior art.

[0003] WO 99/50250 and WO 00/27825 disclose substituted aminopyrimidines having HIV replication inhibiting properties.

[0004] WO 97/19065 discloses substituted 2-anilinopyrimidines useful as protein kinase inhibitors.

[0005] WO 00/62778 concerns cyclic protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

[0006] WO 98/41512 describes substituted 2-anilinopyrimidines useful as protein kinase inhibitors.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,364 describes benzamidine derivatives and their use as anti-coagulants.

[0008] WO 00/78731 describes 5-cyano-2-aminopyrimidine derivatives as KDR kinase or FGFr kinase inhibitors useful in the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases associated with angiogenesis.

[0009] The compounds of the invention differ from the prior art compounds in structure, pharmacological activity and/or pharmacological potency.

[0010] Unexpectedly, it has been found that the compounds of the invention have an improved ability to inhibit the replication of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), in particular they have an improved ability to inhibit the replication of mutant strains, i.e. strains which have become resistant to art-known drug(s) (drug or multidrug resistant HIV strains).

[0011] The present invention concerns a compound of formula

[0012] a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine or a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein

[0013] -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- represents a bivalent radical of formula

—CH═CH—CH═CH—  (a-1);

—N═CH—CH═CH—  (a-2);

—N═CH—N═CH—  (a-3);

—N═CH—CH═N—  (a-4);

—N═N—CH═CH—  (a-5);

[0014] -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- represents a bivalent radical of formula

—CH═CH—CH═CH—  (b-1);

—N═CH—CH═CH—  (b-2);

—N═CH—N═CH—  (b-3);

—N═CH—CH═N—  (b-4);

—N═N—CH═CH—  (b-5);

[0015] n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; and in case -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- is (a-1), then n may also be 5;

[0016] m is 1, 2, 3 and in case -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- is (b-1), then m may also be 4;

[0017] R¹ is hydrogen; aryl; formyl; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyloxy; C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl;

[0018] each R² independently is hydroxy, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with cyano or —C(═O)R⁶, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted, with one or more halogen atoms or cyano, C₂₋₆alkynyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms or cyano, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, polyhalomethyl, polyhalomethylthio, —S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —NH—S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —C(═O)R⁶, —NHC(═O)H, —C(═O)NHNH₂, —NHC(═O)R⁶,—C(═NH)R⁶ or a radical of formula

[0019] wherein each A₁ independently is N, CH or CR⁶; and A₂ is NH, O, S or NR⁶;

[0020] X₁ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, C₁₋₄alkanediyl, —CHOH—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—, —X₂—C₁₋₄alkanediyl- or —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X₂—;

[0021] X₂ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —CHOH—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—;

[0022] R³ is NHR¹³ NR¹³R¹⁴; —C(═O)—NHR¹³; —C(═O)—NR¹³R¹⁴; —C(═O)—R¹⁵; —CH═N—NH—C(═O)—R¹⁶; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷ and wherein 2 hydrogen atoms bound at the same carbon atom are replaced by C₁₋₄alkanediyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with hydroxy and a second substituent selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents-each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₂₋₆alkynyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; —C(═N—O—R⁸)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R⁷ or —X₃—R⁷;

[0023] X₃ is —NR—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—, —X₂—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-, —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X_(2a)—, —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X_(2b)—C₁₋₄alkanediyl, —C(═N—OR⁸)—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-;

[0024] with X_(2a) being —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—; and

[0025] with X_(2b) being —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —C(═O)—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—;

[0026] R⁴ is halo, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, formyl, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino or R⁷;

[0027] R⁵ is hydrogen; aryl; formyl; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alllyloxycarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl or C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyloxy; C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl;

[0028] R⁶ is C₁₋₄alkyl, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino or polyhaloC₁₋₄alkyl;

[0029] R⁷ is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, —CH(═N—O—R⁸), R^(7a), —X₃—R^(7a) or R^(7a)—C₁₋₄alkyl;

[0030] R^(7a) is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆,alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, —CH(═N—O—R⁸);

[0031] R⁸ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, aryl or arylC₁₋₄alkyl;

[0032] R⁹ and R¹⁰ each independently are hydrogen; hydroxy; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆ayloxy; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; amino; mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino; mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminocarbonyl; —CH(═NR¹¹) or R⁷, wherein each of the aforementioned C₁₋₆alkyl groups may optionally and each individually be substituted with one or two substituents each independently selected from hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyloxy, carboxyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, cyano, amino, imino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, polyhalomethyl, polyhalomethyloxy, polyhalomethylthio, S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —NH—S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —C(═O)R⁶, —NHC(═O)H, —C(═O)NHNH₂, —NHC(═O)R⁶,—C(═NH)R⁶, R⁷; or

[0033] R⁹ and R¹⁰ may be taken together to form a bivalent or trivalent radical of formula

—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—  (d-1)

—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—  (d-2)

—CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₂—CH₂—  (d-3)

—CH₂—CH₂—S—CH₂—CH₂—  (d-4)

—CH₂—CH₂—NR¹²—CH₂—CH₂—  (d-5)

—CH₂—CH═CH—CH₂—  (d-6)

═CH—CH═CH—CH═CH—  (d-7)

[0034] R¹¹ is cyano; C₁₋₄alkyl optionally substituted with C₁₋₄alkyloxy, cyano, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino or aminocarbonyl; C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl; aminocarbonyl; mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)aminocarbonyl;

[0035] R¹² is hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl;

[0036] R¹³ and R¹⁴ each independently are C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl,. C₂₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl;

[0037] R¹⁵ is C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl;

[0038] R¹⁶ is C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl, or R⁷;

[0039] p is 1 or 2;

[0040] aryl is phenyl or phenyl substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, R⁷ or —X₃—R⁷.

[0041] As used hereinbefore or hereinafter C₁₋₄alkyl as a group or part of a group defines straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, 1-methylethyl, butyl; C₁₋₆alkyl as a group or part of a group defines straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms such as the group defined for C₁₋₄alkyl and pentyl, hexyl, 2-methylbutyl and the like; C₂₋₆alkyl as a group or part of a group defines straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms such as ethyl, propyl, 1-methylethyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, 2-methylbutyl and the like; C₁₋₄alkanediyl defines straight or branched chain saturated bivalent hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as methylene, 1,2-ethanediyl or 1,2-ethylidene, 1,3-propanediyl or 1,3-propylidene, 1,4-butanediyl or 1,4-butylidene and the like; C₃₋₇cycloalkyl is generic to cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl defines straight and branched chain hydrocarbon radicals having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms containing a double bond such as ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl and the like; C₂₋₆alkynyl defines straight and branched chain hydrocarbon radicals having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms containing a triple bond such as ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl and the like; a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated carbocycle represents a ring system consisting of 1, 2 or 3 rings, said ring system being composed of only carbon atoms and said ring system containing only single bonds; a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic partially saturated carbocycle represents a ring system consisting of 1, 2 or 3 rings, said ring system being composed of only carbon atoms and comprising at least one double bond provided that the ring system is not an aromatic ring system; a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic aromatic carbocycle represents an aromatic ring system consisting of 1, 2 or 3 rings, said ring system being composed of only carbon atoms; the term aromatic is well known to a person skilled in the art and designates cyclically conjugated systems of 4n+2 electrons, that is with 6, 10, 14 etc. π-electrons (rule of Hüickel); a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated heterocycle represents a ring system consisting of 1, 2 or 3 rings and comprising at least one heteroatom selected from O, N or S, said ring system containing only single bonds; a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic partially saturated heterocycle represents a ring system consisting of 1, 2 or 3 rings and comprising at least one heteroatom selected from O, N or S, and at least one double bond provided that the ring system is not an aromatic ring system; a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic aromatic heterocycle represents an aromatic ring system consisting of 1, 2 or 3 rings and comprising at least one heteroatom selected from O, N or S.

[0042] Particular examples of monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated carbocycles are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, bicyclo[4,2,0]octenyl, cyclononanyl, cyclodecanyl, decahydronapthalenyl, tetradecahydroanthracenyl and the like.

[0043] Particular examples of monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic partially saturated carbocycles are cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, cyclo-octenyl, bicyclo[4,2,0]octenyl, cyclononenyl, cyclodecenyl, octahydronaphthalenyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalenyl, 1,2,3,4,4a,9,9a,10-octahydro-anthracenyl and the like.

[0044] Particular examples of monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic aromatic carbocycles are phenyl, naphthalenyl, anthracenyl.

[0045] Particular examples of monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated heterocycles are tetrahydrofuranyl, pyrrolidinyl, dioxolanyl, imidazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, tetrahydrothienyl, dihydrooxazolyl, isothiazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, oxadiazolidinyl, triazolidinyl, thiadiazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, hexahydropyrimidinyl, hexahydropyrazinyl, dioxanyl, morpholinyl, dithianyl, thiomorpholinyl, piperazinyl, trithianyl, decahydroquinolinyl, octahydroindolyl and the like.

[0046] Particular examples of monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic partially saturated heterocycles are pyrrolinyl, imidazolinyl, pyrazolinyl, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxinyl, indolinyl and the like.

[0047] Particular examples of monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic aromatic heterocycles are azetyl, oxetylidenyl, pyrrolyl, furyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, pyranyl, benzofuryl, isobenzofuryl, benzothienyl, isobenzothienyl, indolizinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzimidazolyl, indazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzopyrazolyl, benzoxadiazolyl, benzothiadiazolyl, benzotriazolyl, purinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, cinnolinyl, quinolizinyl, phthalazinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, naphthiridinyl, pteridinyl, benzopyranyl, pyrrolopyridyl, thienopyridyl, furopyridyl, isothiazolopyridyl, thiazolopyridyl, isoxazolopyridyl, oxazolopyridyl, pyrazolopyridyl, imidazopyridyl, pyrrolopyrazinyl, thienopyrazinyl, furopyrazinyl, isothiazolopyrazinyl, thiazolopyrazinyl, isoxazolopyrazinyl, oxazolopyrazinyl, pyrazolopyrazinyl, imidazopyrazinyl, pyrrolopyrimidinyl, thienopyrimidinyl, furopyrimidinyl, isothiazolopyrimidinyl, thiazolopyrimidinyl, isoxazolopyrimidinyl, oxazolopyriridinyl, pyrazolopyrimidinyl, imidazopyrimidinyl, pyrrolopyridazinyl, thienopyridazinyl, furopyridazinyl, isothiazolopyridazinyl, thiazolopyridazinyl, isoxazolopyridazinyl, oxazolopyridazinyl, pyrazolopyridazinyl, imidazopyridazinyl, oxadiazolopyridyl, thiadiazolopyridyl, triazolopyridyl, oxadiazolopyrazinyl, thiadiazolopyrazinyl, triazolopyrazinyl, oxadiazolopyrimidinyl, thiadiazolopyrinidinyl, triazolopyrimidinyl, oxadiazolopyridazinyl, thiadiazolopyridazinyl, triazolopyridazinyl, imidazooxazolyl, imidazothiazolyl, imidazoimidazolyl, isoxazolotriazinyl, isothiazolotriazinyl, pyrazolotriazinyl, oxazolotriazinyl, thiazolotriazinyl, imidazotriazinyl, oxadiazolotriazinyl, thiadiazolotriazinyl, triazolotriazinyl, carbazolyl, acridinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl and the like.

[0048] As used herein before, the term (═O) forms a carbonyl moiety when attached to a carbon atom, a sulfoxide moiety when attached to a sulfur atom and a sulfonyl moiety when two of said terms are attached to a sulfur atom.

[0049] The term halo is generic to fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo. As used in the foregoing and hereinafter, polyhalomethyl as a group or part of a group is defined as mono- or polyhalosubstituted methyl, in particular methyl with one or more fluoro atoms, for example, difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl; polyhaloC₁₋₄alkyl or polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl as a group or part of a group is defined as mono- or polyhalosubstituted C₁₋₄alkyl or C₁₋₆alkyl, for example, the groups defined in halomethyl, 1,1-difluoro-ethyl and the like. In case more than one halogen atoms are attached to an alkyl group within the definition of polyhalomethyl, polyhaloC₁₋₄alkyl or polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, they may be the same or different.

[0050] The term heterocycle in the definition of R⁷ or R^(7a) is meant to include all the possible isomeric forms of the heterocycles, for instance, pyrrolyl comprises 1H-pyrrolyl and 2H-pyrrolyl.

[0051] The carbocycle or heterocycle in the definition of R⁷ or R^(7a) may be attached to the remainder of the molecule of formula (I) through any ring carbon or heteroatom as appropriate, if not otherwise specified. Thus, for example, when the heterocycle is imidazolyl, it may be 1-imidazolyl, 2-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl and the like, or when the carbocycle is naphthalenyl, it may be 1-naphthalenyl, 2-naphthalenyl and the like. When any variable (eg. R⁷, X₂) occurs more than one time in any constituent, each definition is independent.

[0052] Lines drawn from substituents into ring systems indicate that the bond may be attached to any of the suitable ring atoms.

[0053] For therapeutic use, salts of the compounds of formula (I) are those wherein the counterion is pharmaceutically acceptable. However, salts of acids and bases which are non-pharmaceutically acceptable may also find use, for example, in the preparation or purification of a pharmaceutically acceptable compound. All salts, whether pharmaceutically acceptable or not are included within the ambit of the present invention.

[0054] The pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts as mentioned hereinabove are meant to comprise the therapeutically active non-toxic acid addition salt forms which the compounds of formula (I) are able to form. The latter can conveniently be obtained by treating the base form with such appropriate acids as inorganic acids, for example, hydrohalic acids, e.g. hydrochloric, hydrobromic and the like; sulfuric acid; nitric acid; phosphoric acid and the like; or organic acids, for example, acetic, propanoic, hydroxy-acetic acetic, 2-hydroxypropanoic, 2-oxopropanoic, oxalic, malonic, succinic, maleic, fumaric, malic, tartaric, 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, 4-methylbenzenesulfonic, cyclohexanesulfamic,. 2-hydroxybenzoic, 4-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic and the like acids. Conversely the salt form can be converted by treatment with alkali into the free base form.

[0055] The compounds of formula (I) containing acidic protons may be converted into their therapeutically active non-toxic metal or amine addition salt forms by treatment with appropriate organic and inorganic bases. Appropriate base salt forms comprise, for example, the ammonium salts, the alkali and earth alkaline metal salts, e.g. the lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium salts and the like, salts with organic bases, e.g. primary, secondary and tertiary aliphatic and aromatic amines such as methylamine, ethylamine, propylamine, isopropylamine, the four butylamnine isomers, dimethylamine, diethylamine, diethanolamine, dipropylamine, diisopropylamine, di-n-butylamine, pyrrolidine, piperidine, morpholine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, quinuclidine, pyridine, quinoline and isoquinoline, the benzathine, N-methyl-D-glucamine, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)- 1,3-propanediol, hydrabamine salts, and salts with amino acids such as, for example, arginine, lysine and the like. Conversely the salt form can be converted by treatment with acid into the free acid form.

[0056] The term addition salt also comprises the hydrates and solvent addition forms which the compounds of formula (I) are able to form. Examples of such forms are e.g. hydrates, alcoholates and the like.

[0057] The term “quaternary amine” as used hereinbefore defines the quaternary ammonium salts which the compounds of formula (I) are able to form by reaction between a basic nitrogen of a compound of formula (I) and an appropriate quaternizing agent, such as, for example, an optionally substituted alkylhalide, arylhalide or arylalkylhalide, e.g. methyliodide or benzyliodide. Other reactants with good leaving groups may also be used, such as alkyl trifluoromethanesulfonates, alkyl methanesulfonates, and alkyl p-toluenesulfonates. A quaternary amine has a positively charged nitrogen. Pharmaceutically acceptable counterions include chloro, bromo, iodo, trifluoroacetate and acetate. The counterion of choice can be introduced using ion exchange resins.

[0058] The N-oxide forms of the present compounds are meant to comprise the compounds of formula (I) wherein one or several tertiary nitrogen atoms are oxidized to the so-called N-oxide.

[0059] It will be appreciated that some of the compounds of formula ([) and their N-oxides, addition salts, quaternary amines and stereochemically isomeric forms may contain one or more centers of chirality and exist as stereochemically isomeric forms.

[0060] The term “stereochemically isomeric forms” as used hereinbefore defines all the possible stereoisomeric forms which the compounds of formula (I), and their N-oxides, addition salts, quaternary amines or physiologically functional derivatives may possess. Unless otherwise mentioned or indicated, the chemical designation of compounds denotes the mixture of all possible stereochemically isomeric forms, said mixtures containing all diastereomers and enantiomers of the basic molecular structure as well as each of the individual isomeric forms of formula (I) and their N-oxides, salts, solvates or quaternary amines substantially free, ie. associated with less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, in particular less than 2% and most preferably less than 1% of the other isomers. Thus, when a compound of formula (I) is for instance specified as (E), this means that the compound is substantially free of the (Z) isomer.

[0061] In particular, stereogenic centers may have the R— or S-configuration; substituents on bivalent cyclic (partially) saturated radicals may have either the cis- or trans- configuration. Compounds encompassing double bonds can have an E (entgegen) or Z. (zusammen)-stereochemistry at said double bond. The terms cis, trans, R, S, E and Z are well known to a person skilled in the art.

[0062] Stereochemically isomeric forms of the compounds of formula (I) are obviously intended to be embraced within the scope of this invention.

[0063] For some of the compounds of formula (I), their prodrugs, N-oxides, salts, solvates, quaternary amines or metal complexes and the intermediates used in the preparation thereof, the absolute stereochemical configuration was not experimentally determined. In these cases the stereoisomeric form which was first isolated is designated as “A” and the second as “B”, without further reference to the actual stereochemical configuration. However, said “A” and “B” stereoisomeric forms can be unambiguously characterized by for instance their optical rotation in case “A” and “B” have an enantiomeric relationship. A person skilled in the art is able to determine the absolute configuration of such compounds using art-known methods such as, for example, X-ray diffraction. In case “A” and “B” are stereoisomeric mixtures, they can be further separated whereby the respective first fractions isolated are designated “A1” and “B 1” and the second as “A2” and “B2”, without further reference to the actual stereochemical configuration.

[0064] Some of the compounds of formula (I) may also exist in their tautomeric form. Such forms although not explicitly indicated in the above formula are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0065] Whenever used hereinafter, the term “compounds of formula (I)” is meant to also include their N-oxide forms, their salts, their quaternary amines and their stereochemically isomeric forms. Of special interest are those compounds of formula (I) which are stereochemically pure.

[0066] Whenever used hereinbefore or hereinafter that substituents can be selected each independently out of a list of numerous definitions, such as for example for R⁹ and R¹⁰, all possible combinations are intended which are chemically possible and which lead to chemically stable molecules.

[0067] A particular group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ is C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with at least one substituent selected from cyano, aminocarbonyl, NR⁹R¹⁰ or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with at least one substituent selected from cyano, aminocarbonyl, NR⁹R¹⁰ or R⁷ and wherein 2 hydrogen atoms bound at the same carbon atom are replaced by C₁₋₄alkanediyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with hydroxy and a second substituent selected from cyano, aminocarbonyl, NR⁹R¹⁰ or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl substituted with at least one substituent selected from cyano, aminocarbonyl, NR⁹R¹⁰ or R⁷; C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with at least one substituent selected from cyano, aminocarbonyl, NR⁹R¹⁰ or R⁷; C₂₋₆alkynyl substituted with at least one substituent selected from cyano, aminocarbonyl, NR⁹R¹⁰ or R⁷; —C(═N—O—R⁸)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R⁷ or —X₃—R⁷; R⁴ is halo, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, formyl, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino; R⁷ is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, R^(7a), —X₃—R^(7a) or R^(7a)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R^(7a) is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhalC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl; R⁹ and R¹⁰ each independently are hydrogen; hydroxy; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxy; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; amino; mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino; mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminocarbonyl or R⁷, wherein each of the aforementioned C₁₋₆alkyl groups may optionally and each individually be substituted with one or two substituents each independently selected from hydroxy, C₁₋₆allyloxy, hydroxyC₁₋₆aikyloxy, carboxyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, cyano, amino, imino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, polyhalomethyl, polyhalomethyloxy, polyhalomethylthio, —S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —NH—S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —C(═O)R⁶, —NHC(═O)H, —C(═)NHNH₂, —NHC(═O)R⁶,—C(═NH)R⁶, R⁷.

[0068] An interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I) wherein -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- represents a bivalent radical of formula —CH═CH—CH═CH—(a-1).

[0069] Also an interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I) having the formula

[0070] the N-oxides, the pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts, the quaternary amitnes or the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, wherein

[0071] -a^(=a) ²-a²=a⁴-, -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴-, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, m and X₁ are as defined hereinabove;

[0072] n′ is 0, 1, 2 or 3 and in case -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- is (a-1), then n′ may also be 4;

[0073] R² is halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, trihalomethyl, cyano, aminocarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl;

[0074] provided that R² is placed at the para position in respect of the NR¹ moiety.

[0075] Another interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I) having the formula

[0076] the N-oxides, the pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts, the quaternary amines or the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, wherein

[0077] -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴-, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, m and X₁ are as defined hereinabove;

[0078] n′ is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4;

[0079] R^(2′) is halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, trihalomethyl, cyano, aminocarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl.

[0080] Yet a further interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I) having the formula

[0081] the N-oxides, the pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts, the quaternary amines or the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, wherein

[0082] R¹, R², R³, R⁴ and X₁ are as defined hereinabove;

[0083] n′ is 0, 1, 2, 3 or4;

[0084] R^(2′) is halo, C₁₋₆allyl, trihalomethyl, cyano, aminocarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl.

[0085] Also particular compounds are those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) wherein one or wherever possible more of the following conditions apply:

[0086] a) m is 1, 2 or 3, in particular 2 or 3, more in particular 2, even more in particular m is 2 and said two R⁴ substituents are placed in position 2 and 6 (ortho position) in respect of the X₁ moiety;

[0087] b) m is 1, 2 or 3 and R³ is placed in position 4 (para position) in respect of the X₁ moiety;

[0088] c) X₁ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, C₁₋₄alkanediyl, —CHOH—, —S(═O)_(p)—, —X₂—C₁₋₄alkanediyl- or —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X₂—;

[0089] d) where applicable n′ is 0;

[0090] e) where applicable n is 1 and said R² substituent is placed in position 4 (para position) in respect of the NR¹-linker;

[0091] f) R² is hydroxy, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with cyano or —C(═O)R⁶, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms or cyano, C₂₋₆alkynyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms or cyano, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, polyhalomethyl, polyhalomethylthio, —S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —NH—S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —NHC(═O)H, —C(═O)NHNH₂, —NHC(═O)R⁶,—C(═NH)R⁶ or a radical of formula

[0092] wherein each A₁ independently is N, CH or CR⁶; and A₂ is NH, O, S or NR⁶;

[0093] g) R^(2′) is halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, trihalomethyl, cyano, C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl;

[0094] h) R² is cyano, aminocarbonyl or C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl, in particular cyano;

[0095] i) R^(2′) is cyano, aminocarbonyl or C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl, in particular cyano.

[0096] A preferred embodiment encompasses those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) wherein R³ is NHR¹³; NR¹³R¹⁴; —C(═O)—NHR¹³; —C(═O)—NR¹³R¹⁴; —C(═O)—R¹⁵; —CH═N—NH—C(═O)—R¹⁶; C₂₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR^(9a)R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with two or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷ and wherein 2 hydrogen atoms bound at the same carbon atom are replaced by C₁₋₄alkanediyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with hydroxy and a second substituent selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₂₋₆alkynyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; —C(═N—O—R⁸)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R⁷ or —X₃—R⁷; with R^(9a) representing hydroxy; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆allyloxy; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; amino; mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino; mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminocarbonyl, —CH(═NR¹¹) or R⁷, wherein each of the aforementioned C₁₋₆alkyl groups in the definition of R^(9a) may optionally and each individually be substituted with one or two substituents each independently selected from hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyloxy, carboxyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, cyano, amino, imino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, polyhalomethyl, polyhalomethyloxy, polyhalomethylthio, —S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —NH—S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —C(═O)R⁶, —NHC(═O)H, —C(═O)NHNH₂, —NHC(═O)R⁶,—C(═NH)R⁶; R⁷; R^(9a) may also be taken together with R¹⁰ to form a bivalent or trivalent,radical of formula (d-1), (d-2), (d-3), (d-4), (d-5), (d-6) or (d-7) as defined hereinabove.

[0097] A further interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) wherein R³ is NHR¹³; NR¹³R¹⁴; —C(═O)—NHR³; —C(═O)—NR¹³R¹⁴; —C(═O)—R¹⁵; —CH═N—NH—C(═O)—R¹⁶; C₁₋₆allyl substituted with NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR^(9a)R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with two or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷ and wherein 2 hydrogen atoms bound at the same carbon atom are replaced by C₁₋₄alkanediyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with hydroxy and a second substituent selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆allyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₂₋₆alkynyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; —C(═N—O—R⁸)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R⁷ or —X₃—R⁷; with R^(9a) representing hydroxy; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxy; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; amino; mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino; mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminocarbonyl, —CH(═NR¹¹) or R⁷, wherein each of the aforementioned C₁₋₆alkyl groups in the definition of R^(9a) may optionally and each individually be substituted with one or two substituents each independently selected from hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyloxy, carboxyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, cyano, amino, imino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, polyhalomethyl, polyhalomethyloxy, polyhalomethylthio, —S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —NH—S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —C(═O)R⁶, —NHC(═O)H, —C(═O)NHNH₂, —NHC(═O)R⁶,—C(═NH)R⁶, R⁷; R^(9a) may also be taken together with R¹⁰ to form a bivalent or trivalent radical of formula (d-1), (d-2), (d-3), (d-4), (d-5), (d-6) or (d-7) as defined hereinabove.

[0098] Also an interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I′″) wherein R³ is —CH═N—NH—C(═O)—R¹⁶; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR^(9a)R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with two or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷ and wherein 2 hydrogen atoms bound at the same carbon atom are replaced by C₁₋₄alkanediyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with hydroxy and a second substituent selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₂₋₆alkynyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; —C(═N—O—R⁸)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R⁷ or —X₃—R⁷; with R^(9a) as defined hereinabove.

[0099] Another interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) wherein R³ is NHR¹³, NR¹³R¹⁴, —C(═O)—R¹⁵, C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆allyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷ and wherein 2 hydrogen atoms bound at the same carbon atom are replaced by C₁₋₆alkanediyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with hydroxy and a second substituent selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₂₋₆alkynyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; —C(═N—O—R⁸)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R⁷ or —X₃—R⁷.

[0100] Also interesting are those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) wherein R³ is C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR^(9a)R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with two or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷ and wherein 2 hydrogen atoms bound at the same carbon atom are replaced by C₁₋₄alkanediyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with hydroxy and a second substituent selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; C₂₋₆alkyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; —C(═N—O—R⁸)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R⁷ or —X₃—R⁷; with R^(9a) as defined hereinabove.

[0101] Also interesting are those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) wherein R³ is C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰ or R⁷; C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰ or R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with hydroxy and a second substituent selected from cyano or R⁷; —C(═N—O—R⁸)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R⁷ or —X₃—R⁷.

[0102] Another interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) wherein R³ is R⁷.

[0103] Still another interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) wherein R³ is C₁₋₆allyl substituted with cyano, in particular C₂₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano, more in particular ethyl or propyl substituted with cyano; or C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with cyano. Preferred is C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with cyano.

[0104] Also an interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) wherein R³ is C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano and R⁷, or C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with cyano and R⁷.

[0105] A further interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) wherein R³ is C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with R⁷.

[0106] Still a further interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) wherein R³ is —C(═N—O—R⁸)—C₁₋₄alkyl.

[0107] Also an interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) wherein R³ is C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with hydroxy and a second substituent selected from cyano or R⁷.

[0108] Also an interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) wherein R² or R^(2′) is cyano or aminocarbonyl and R¹ is hydrogen.

[0109] Another interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) wherein m is 2 or 3 and X₁ is —NR⁵—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —CH₂—, —CHOH—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—, in particular wherein X₁ is —NR⁵—, or —O—.

[0110] Also an interesting group of compounds are those compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) wherein one or more, preferably all of the following restrictions apply:

[0111] a) n is at least 1, in particular 1; or n′ is 0;

[0112] b) R² or R^(2′) is cyano;

[0113] c) m is 1, 2 or 3;

[0114] d) R⁴ is C₁₋₆alkyl, especially methyl; nitro; amino; halo; C₁₋₆alkyloxy or R⁷;

[0115] e) R³ is R⁷, NR¹³ ³R¹⁴, —C(═O)R¹⁵, —CH═N—NH—C(═O)R¹⁶, —C(═O)NHR¹³, —C(═O)NR¹³R¹⁴, —C(═N—OR⁸)—C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano, C₁₋₆alkyl substituted twice with cyano, C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with NR⁹R¹⁰, C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with hydroxy and cyano, C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with hydroxy and R⁷, C_(1-6 alkyloxy C) ₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano, C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with R⁷, C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with cyano, C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted twice with cyano, C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with cyano and R⁷, C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with cyano and —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with cyano and halo, C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with halo, C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted twice with halo or C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with NR⁹R¹⁰;

[0116] f) X₃ is —C(═O)—, —CH₂—C(═O)—, or —C(═N—OR⁸)—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-;

[0117] g)X₁ is NH or O;

[0118] h) R¹ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl.

[0119] Preferred compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″) or (I″′) are compounds 1, 25, 84, 133, 152, 179, 233, 239, 247, 248 (see Tables 3, 4 and 5), their N-oxides, pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts, quaternary amines and stereochemically isomeric forms thereof.

[0120] In general, compounds of formula (I) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (II) wherein W₁ is a suitable leaving group such as, for example, halo, triflate, tosylate, methylsulfonyl and the like, with an intermediate of formula (III). This reaction can be performed at elevated temperature.

[0121] Alternatively, the above reaction can be performed in the presence of a suitable solvent. Suitable solvents are for example acetonitrile, an alcohol, such as for example ethanol, 2-propanol, 2-propanol-HCl; N,N-dimethylformamide; N,N-dimethylacetamide,1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinonie; 1,4dioxane, propyleneglycol monomethylether. Preferably the solvent is 2-propanol, 6 N HCl in 2-propanol or acetonitrile, especially acetonitrile. Optionally, sodium hydride may be present.

[0122] In this and the following preparations, the reaction products may be isolated from the reaction medium and, if necessary, further purified according to methodologies generally known in the art such as, for example, extraction, crystallization, distillation, trituration and chromatography.

[0123] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ is R⁷ representing a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic aromatic ring system, said R³ being represented by R^(7′) and said compounds being represented by formula (I-a), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (IV) wherein W₂ represents a suitable leaving group such as, for example, halo, hydroxy, triflate, tosylate, thiomethyl, methylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl and the like, with an intermediate of formula (V) wherein R^(a) represents a boronate or a tri(C₁₋₄alkyl)stannane, such as tributylstannane, in the presence of a suitable catalyst, such as for example palladium tetrakis(triphenylphosphine), a suitable salt, such as for example disodium carbonate, dipotassium carbonate, and Cs₂CO₃, and a suitable solvent, such as for example dioxane, dimethyl ether, toluene or an alcohol/water mixture, e.g. MeOH/H₂O. R^(a) may also represent halo, such as for example bromo, in which case the reaction is performed in the presence of 4,4,4′,4′,5,5,5′,5′-octamethyl-2,2′-bi-1,3,2-dioxaborolane.

[0124] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ is R⁷ representing a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated ring system, said R³ being represented by R^(7″) and said compounds being represented by formula (I-b), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (IV) with an intermediate of formula (VI).

[0125] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano, said R³ being represented by C₁₋₆alkyl-CN and said compounds being represented by formula (I-c), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (VII) wherein W₃ represents a suitable leaving group, such as for example, halo, e.g. chloro, with a suitable cyanide salt, such as for example sodium cyanide or potassium cyanide, in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example N,N-dimethylformamide or dimethylsulfoxide.

[0126] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with R⁷; NR⁹R¹⁰ or C₁₋₆alkyloxy optionally substituted with CN, R⁷ or NR⁹R¹⁰, said R³ being represented by C₁₋₆alkyl-Q wherein Q represents R⁷; NR⁹R¹⁰ or C₁₋₆alkyloxy optionally substituted with CN, R⁷ or NR⁹R¹⁰, and said compounds being represented by formula (I-d), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (VII) with an intermediate of formula (VI), optionally in the presence of a suitable salt, such as for example dipotassium carbonate, potassium cyanide, potassium iodide, and a suitable solvent, such as for example acetonitrile.

[0127] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents —C(═N—O—R⁸)—C₁₋₄alkyl, said compounds being represented by formula (I-e), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (IX) with an intermediate of formula (X) in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as an alcohol, e.g. ethanol.

[0128] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents CR^(c′)═CR^(c)—CN wherein R^(c) represents hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl and R^(c′) represents hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl or R⁷, provided that CR^(c′)═CR^(c) is limited to C₂₋₆alkenyl, said compounds being represented by formula (I-f), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XI) with a Wittig or Horner-Emmons reagent of formula (XII), wherein R^(b)- represents for example (Phenyl)₃P⁺—Cl⁻ or (CH₃CH₂—O)₂P(═O)—, which can be considered as a suitable precursor of a phosphorus ylide, in the presence of a suitable salt, such as for example potassium tert.-butoxide, and a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

[0129] Compounds of formula (I-f-1) and (I-f-2) as depicted below can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXIX) or an appropriate addition salt thereof, wherein W₅ represents a suitable leaving group, with acrylonitrile or acrylamide in the presence of a suitable palladium catalyst, a suitable base and a suitable solvent.

[0130] Suitable leaving groups in the above reaction are for example halo, triflate, tosylate, mesylate and the like. Preferably, W₅ is halo, more particularly iodo or bromo.

[0131] The palladium (Pd) catalyst may be a homogeneous Pd catalyst, such as for example Pd(OAc)₂, PdCl₂, Pd(PPh₃)₄, Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂, bis(dibenzylidene acetone) palladium, palladium thiomethylphenylglutaramide metallacycle and the like, or a heterogeneous Pd catalyst, such as for example palladium on charcoal, palladium on metal oxides, palladium on zeolites.

[0132] Preferably, the palladium catalyst is a heterogeneous Pd catalyst, more preferably palladium on charcoal (Pd/C). Pd/C is a recoverable catalyst, is stable and relatively inexpensive. It can be easily separated (filtration) from the reaction mixture thereby reducing the risk of Pd traces in the final product. The use of Pd/C also avoids the need for ligands, such as for example phosphine ligands, which are expensive, toxic and contaminants of the synthesized products.

[0133] Suitable bases in the above reaction are for example sodium acetate, potassium acetate, N,N-diethylethanamine, sodium hydrogencarbonate, sodium hydroxide and the like.

[0134] Suitable solvents in the above reaction are for example acetonitrile, N,N-dimethylacetamide, an ionic liquid e.g. [bmim]PF₆, N,N-dimethylformamide, water, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylsulphoxide, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and the like.

[0135] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents CR^(c)═CR^(c)—CN with R^(c) being as defined hereinabove and R^(c″) representing NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷, said compounds being represented by formula (I-g), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XI-a) with an intermediate of formula (XIII) in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol and an alcoholate, e.g. methanol and sodium ethanolate.

[0136] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents CH═C(CN)—CH₂—CN, said compounds being represented by formula (I-h), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XI-b) with 2-butenedinitrile in the presence of tributylphosphine and a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

[0137] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents CH═C(CN)₂, said compounds being represented by formula (I-h′), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XI-b) with propanedinitrile in the presence of a suitable base, such as for example piperidine, and a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol, e.g. ethanol and the like.

[0138] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents —CHOH—CH₂—CN, said compounds being represented by formula (I-i), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XI-b) with CH₃—CN in the presence of a suitable proton-abstracting agent, such as for example butyl lithium, in the presence of a suitable substrate for the proton-abstracting agent, for example N-(1-methylethyl)-2-propanamine, and in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

[0139] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents CR^(c′)═CR^(c)-halo wherein R^(c) represents hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl and R^(c) represents hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl or R⁷, provided that CR^(c′)═CR^(c) is limited to C₂₋₆alkenyl, said compounds being represented by formula (I-j), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XI) with a Wittig or Horner-Emmons reagent of formula (XII′), wherein R^(b)- represents for example (Phenyl)₃P⁺—Cl⁻ or (CH₃CH₂—O)₂P(═O)—, which can be considered as a suitable precursor of a phosphorus ylide, in the presence of nBuLi, and a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

[0140] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents CR^(c)═CR^(c″)-halo with R^(c) being as defined hereinabove and R^(c″′) representing CN, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷, said compounds being represented by formula (I-k), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XI-a) with an intermediate of formula (XIII-a) in the presence of a Horner-Emmons reagent such as for example (CH₃CH₂—O)₂P(═O)—Cl, nBuLi, 1,1,1-trimethyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-silanamine, and a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

[0141] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents CH═C(Br)₂, said compounds being represented by formula (I-1), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XVIII) with CBr₄, in the presence of a suitable catalyst salt, such as for example (CuCl)₂, and in the presence of a suitable base, such as for example NH₃, and a suitable solvent, such as for example dimethylsulfoxide.

[0142] Compounds of formula (I-m) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XIV) with Cl₂C═S in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example dioxane.

[0143] Compounds of formula (I-n) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XV) with an intermediate of formula (XVI) in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol or an alcoholate, e.g. ethanol or sodium methanolate.

[0144] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with C(═O)NR⁹R¹⁰ and optionally further substituted with cyano, said compounds being represented by formula (I-o) wherein C₂₋₆alkenyl represents C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted with cyano, can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXIX) with an intermediate of formula (XXX) in the presence of hydroxybenzotriazole and ethyldimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide and a suitable solvent, such as for example methylene chloride or tetrahydrofuran, and optionally in the presence of a suitable base, such as for example N,N-diethylethanamine, NH₄OH and the like.

[0145] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents —C(═O)NR¹³R¹⁴ or C(═O)NHR¹³, said compounds being represented by formula (I-p-1) and (I-p-2) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXI) with an intermediate of formula (XXXII-1) or (XXXII-2) in the presence of hydroxybenzotriazole and ethyldimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide and a suitable solvent, such as for example methylene chloride or tetrahydrofuran, and optionally in the presence of a suitable base, such as for example N,N-diethylethanamine.

[0146] Compounds of formula wherein R³ represents CH═N—NH—C(═O)—R¹⁶, said compounds being represented by formula (I-q), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XI-b) with an intermediate of formula (XXXIII) in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example methylene chloride and an alcohol, e.g. methanol, ethanol and the like.

[0147] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents N(CH₃)₂, said compounds being represented by formula (I-r), can be prepared by reductive methylation of an intermediate of formula (XXXIV) with formaldehyde in the presence of a suitable catalyst, such as for example a suitable acid, i.e. acetic acid and the like, palladium on charcoal, Raney Nickel, and in the presence of a suitable reductive agent, such as for example sodium cyanoborohydride or H₂, and a suitable solvent, such as for example acetonitrile.

[0148] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents pyrrolyli said compounds being represented by formula (I-s), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXIV) with 2,5-dimethoxytetrahydrofuran in the presence of a suitable acid, such as for example acetic acid.

[0149] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents CH═CH—R⁷, said compounds being represented by formula (I-t), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXV) (Ph indicates phenyl) with an intermediate of formula (XXXVI) in the presence of nBuLi and a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

[0150] The compounds of formula (I) may further be prepared by converting compounds of formula (I) into each other according to art-known group transformation reactions.

[0151] The compounds of formula (I) may be converted to the corresponding N-oxide forms following art-known procedures for converting a trivalent nitrogen into its N-oxide form. Said N-oxidation reaction may generally be carried out by reacting the starting material of formula (I) with an appropriate organic or inorganic peroxide. Appropriate inorganic peroxides comprise, for example, hydrogen peroxide, alkali metal or earth alkaline metal peroxides, e.g. sodium peroxide, potassium peroxide; appropriate organic peroxides may comprise peroxy acids such as, for example, benzenecarboper-oxoic acid or halo substituted benzenecarboperoxoic acid, e.g. 3-chlorobenzenecarbo-peroxoic acid, peroxoalkanoic acids, e.g. peroxoacetic acid, alkylhydroperoxides, e.g. tertbutyl hydro-peroxide. Suitable solvents are, for example, water, lower alcohols, e.g. ethanol and the like, hydrocarbons, e.g. toluene, ketones, e.g. 2-butanone, halogenated hydrocarbons, e.g. dichloromethane, and mixtures of such solvents.

[0152] For instance, a compound of formula (I) wherein R³ comprises cyano, can be converted into a compound of formula (I) wherein R³ comprises aminocarbonyl, by reaction with HCOOH, in the presence of a suitable acid, such as hydrochloric acid. A compound of formula (I) wherein R³ comprises cyano, can also further be converted into a compound of formula (I) wherein R³ comprises tetrazolyl, by reaction with sodium azide in the presence of amnmonium chloride and N,N -dimethylacetamide.

[0153] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ comprises aminocarbonyl, can be converted into a compound of formula (I) wherein R³ comprises cyano, in the presence of a suitable dehydrating agent. The dehydration can be performed according to methodologies well-known to the person skilled in the art, such as the ones disclosed in “Comprehensive Organic Transformations. A guide to functional group preparations” by Richard C. Larock, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 1999, p 1983-1985, which is incorporated herein as reference. Different suitable reagents are enumerated in said reference, such as for example SOCl₂, HOSO₂NH₂, ClSO₂NCO, MeO₂CNSO₂NEt₃, PhSO₂Cl, TsCl, P₂O₅, (Ph₃PO₃SCF₃)O₃SCF₃, polyphosphate ester, (EtO)₂POP(OEt)₂, (EtO)₃PI₂, 2-chloro-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane, 2,2,2-trichloro-2,2-dihydro-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane, POCl₃, PPh₃, P(NCl₂)₃, P(NEt₂)₃,COCl₂, NaCl.AlCl₃, ClCOCOCl, ClCO₂Me, Cl₃CCOCl, (CF₃CO)₂O, Cl₃CN═CCl₂, 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine, NaCl.AlCl₃, HN(SiMe₂)₃, N(SiMe₂)₄, LiAlH₄ and the like. All the reagents listed in said publication are incorporated herein as reference.

[0154] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ comprises C₂₋₆alkenyl can be converted into a compound of formula (I) wherein R³ comprises C₁₋₆alkyl by reduction in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, such as for example H₂, in the presence of a suitable catalyst, such as for example palladium on charcoal, and in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol, e.g. methanol.

[0155] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents CH(OH)—R¹⁶, can be converted into a compound of formula (I) wherein R³ represents C(═O)—R¹⁶by reaction with Jones's reagent in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example 2-propanone.

[0156] Compound of formula (I) wherein R³ represents C(═O)—CH₂—R^(16a), wherein R^(16a) represents cyano or aminocarbonyl, can be converted into a compound of formula (I) wherein R³ represents C(Cl)═CH—R¹⁶a by reaction with POCl₃.

[0157] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle substituted with formyl can be converted into compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle substituted with CH(═N—O—R⁸) by reaction with NH₂OR⁸ in the presence of a suitable base, such as for example sodium hydroxide and a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol, e.g. ethanol and the like. Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ represents a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle substituted with CH(═N—O—R⁸) can be converted into a compound of formula (I) wherein R³ represents a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle substituted with CN by reaction with a carbodiimide in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

[0158] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁴ represents nitro, can be converted into a compound of formula (I) wherein R⁴ is amino, in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, such as for example H₂, in the presence of a suitable catalyst, such as for example Raney Nickel, and in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol, e.g. methanol.

[0159] Compounds of formula (I) wherein R¹ is hydrogen, can be converted into a compound of formula (I) wherein R¹ is C₁₋₆alkyl, by reaction with a suitable alkylating agent, such as for example iodo-C₁₋₆alkyl, in the presence of a suitable base, such as for example sodium hydride, and a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

[0160] Some of the compounds of formula (I) and some of the intermediates in the present invention may contain an asymmetric carbon atom. Pure stereochemically isomeric forms of said compounds and said intermediates can be obtained by the application of art-known procedures. For example, diastereoisomers can be separated by physical methods such as selective crystallization or chromatographic techniques, e.g. counter current distribution, liquid chromatography and the like methods. Enantiomers can be obtained from racemic mixtures by first converting said racemic mixtures with suitable resolving agents such as, for example, chiral acids, to mixtures of diastereomeric salts or compounds; then physically separating said mixtures of diastereomeric salts or compounds by, for example, selective crystallization or chromatographic techniques, e.g. liquid chromatography and the like methods; and finally converting said separated diastereomeric salts or compounds into the corresponding enantiomers. Pure stereochemically isomeric forms may also be obtained from the pure stereochemically isomeric forms of the appropriate intermediates and starting materials, provided that the intervening reactions occur stereospecifically.

[0161] An alternative manner of separating the enantiomeric forms of the compounds of formula (I) and intermediates involves liquid chromatography, in particular liquid chromatography using a chiral stationary phase.

[0162] Some of the intermediates and starting materials are known compounds and may be commercially available or may be prepared according to art-known procedures or some of the compounds of formula (I) or the described intermediates may be prepared according to the procedures described in WO 99/50250 and WO 00/27825.

[0163] Intermediates of formula (II) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XVII) with a leaving group introducing agent of formula (XIX) wherein W₁ represents the leaving group and R represents the remaining of the leaving group introducing agent, such as for example POCl₃.

[0164] Intermediates of formula (III) wherein X₁ represents NH, said intermediates being represented by formula (III-a), can be prepared from an intermediate of formula (XX) in the presence of ZnCl₂ and in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol, for example ethanol.

[0165] Intermediates of formula (III′-a) as depicted below can be prepared from an intermediate of formula (XX) wherein R³ represents C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with CN, said intermediate being represented by formula (XX-a), in the presence of ZnCl₂ and in the presence of a suitable C₁₋₄alkyl-OH, such as for example ethanol.

[0166] Intermediates of formula (III-b-1) and (III-b-2) as depicted below can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XLI) or an appropriate acid addition salt thereof, wherein W₆ represents a suitable leaving group, with acrylonitrile or acrylamide in the presence of a suitable palladium catalyst, a suitable base and a suitable solvent.

[0167] Suitable leaving groups in the above reaction are for example halo, triflate, tosylate, mesylate and the like. Preferably, W₆ is halo, more preferably iodo or bromo.

[0168] The palladium (Pd) catalyst may be a homogeneous Pd catalyst, such as for example Pd(OAc)₂, PdCl₂, Pd(PPh₃)₄, Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂, bis(dibenzylidene acetone) palladium, palladium thiomethylphenylglutaramide metallacycle and the like, or a heterogeneous Pd catalyst, such as for example palladium on charcoal, palladium on metal oxides, palladium on zeolites.

[0169] Preferably, the palladium catalyst is a heterogeneous Pd catalyst, more preferably palladium on charcoal (Pd/C). Pd/C is a recoverable catalyst, is stable and relatively inexpensive. It can be easily separated (filtration) from the reaction mixture thereby reducing the risk of Pd traces in the final product. The use of Pd/C also avoids the need for ligands, such as for example phosphine ligands, which are expensive, toxic and contaminants of the synthesized products.

[0170] Suitable bases in the above reaction are for example sodium acetate, potassium acetate, N,N-diethylethanamine, sodium hydrogencarbonate, sodium hydroxide and the like.

[0171] Suitable solvents in the above reaction are for example acetonitrile, N,N-dimethylacetamide, an ionic liquid e.g. [bmim]PF₆, N,N-dimethylformarnmide, water, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylsulphoxide, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and the like.

[0172] Intermediates of formula (III-b-2) can be converted into an intermediate of formula (III-b-1) in the presence of a suitable dehydrating agent. The dehydration can be performed according to methodologies well-known to the person skilled in the art, such as the ones disclosed in “Comprehensive Organic Transformations. A guide to functional group preparations” by Richard C. Larock, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 1999, p 1983-1985, which is incorporated herein as reference. Different suitable reagents are enumerated in said reference, such as for example SOCl₂, HOSO₂NH₂, ClSO₂NCO, MeO₂CNSO₂NEt₂, PhSO₂Cl, TsCl, P₂O₅, (Ph₃PO₃SCF₃)O₃SCF₃, polyphosphate ester, (EtO)₂POP(OEt)₂, (EtO)₃PI₂, 2-chloro-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane, 2,2,2-trichloro-2,2-dihydro-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane, POCl₃, PPh₃, P(NCl₂)₃, P(NEt₂)₃,COCl₂, NaCl.AlC³, ClCOCOCl, ClCO₂Me, Cl₃CCOCl, (CF₃CO)₂O, Cl₃CN═CCl₂, 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine, NaCl.AlCl₃, HN(SiMe₂)₃, N(SiMe₂ )₄, LiAlH₄ and the like. All the reagents listed in said publication are incorporated herein as reference.

[0173] Intermediates of formula (XX) wherein R³represents CR^(c′)═CR^(c)—CN with R^(c) and R^(c′) as described hereinabove, said intermediates being represented by formula (XX-b), can be prepared from an intermediate of formula (XXI) by the reaction described above for the preparation of a compound of formula (I-f).

[0174] Intermediates of formula (XXI) can be prepared by oxidation of an intermediate of formula (XXII) in the presence of a suitable oxidizing agent, such as for example KMnO₄, in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example methylene chloride and tris[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl]amine.

[0175] Intermediates of formula (XXI) wherein R^(c′) is H, said intermediates being represented by formula (XXI-a), can also be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXIII) wherein W₄ represents a suitable leaving group, such as halo, e.g. bromo, with N,N-dimethylformamide in the presence of nBuLi and in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

[0176] Intermediates of formula (XXII) wherein R^(c′) represents C₁₋₄alkyl, said intermediates being represented by formula (XXII-a), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXIII) with an intermediate of formula (XXIV) in the presence of nBuLi and in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

[0177] Intermediates of formula (XI) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXV) with an intermediate of formula (II), optionally in the presence of a suitable base, such as for example 1-methyl-pyrrolidin-2-one, or a suitable acid, such as for example hydrochloric acid.

[0178] Intermediates of formula (XV) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXVI) with an intermediate of formula (II) in the presence of a suitable base, such as for example 1-methyl-pyrrolidin-2-one and sodium hydride and a suitable solvent, such as for example dioxane.

[0179] Intermediates of formula (VII) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XXVII) with a leaving group introducing agent of formula (XIX′), such as for example SOCl₂, in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example methylene chloride.

[0180] Intermediates of formula (XXVII) wherein C₁₋₆alkyl represents CH₂, said intermediates being represented by formula (XXVII-a), can be prepared by reducing an intermediate of formula (XV) or formula (XXXI) with a suitable reducing agent, such as for example LiAlH₄, in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

[0181] Intermediates of formula (XXVII-a) can be converted to an intermediate of formula (XXXI) by reaction with Jones reagent in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example acetone.

[0182] Intermediates of formula (XI-b) can be prepared by oxidizing an intermediate of formula (XXVII-a) in the presence of a suitable oxidizing agent, such as for example MnO₂, and a suitable solvent, such as for example methylene chloride, N,N-dimethylformamide.

[0183] Intermediates of formula (XIV) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XV) with H₂N—NH₂ in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol, e.g. ethanol and the like.

[0184] Intermediates of formula (IX) and (XI-a) can be reduced to an intermediate of formula (XXVII′-a) and (XXVII′-b) in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, such as for example NaBH₄, LiAlH₄ or BuLi and a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran or an alcohol, e.g. methanol, ethanol and the like.

[0185] An intermediate of formula (XI-b) can be converted into an intermediate of formula (XXVII′-a) by reaction with C₁₋₄alkylodide in the presence of Mg and a suitable solvent, such as for example diethylether and tetrahydrofuran.

[0186] Intermediates of formula (XVIII) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate formula (XI-b) with H₂N—NH₂ the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol, e.g. ethanol and the like.

[0187] Intermediates of formula (XXIX) or (XXXI) can be prepared by hydrolizing an intermediate of formula (XXXVII) wherein C₂₋₆alkenyl′ represents C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted cyano, or an intermediate of formula (XV) in the presence of a suitable aqueous acid solution, such as for example hydrochloric acid 2N and the like, and in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol, e.g. isopropanol and the like.

[0188] Intermediates of formula (XXXVII) wherein C₂₋₆alkenyl is CH═CH said intermediates being represented by formula (XXXVII-a), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XI-b) with a Wittig or Homer-Emrnons reagent of formula (XII″), wherein R^(b) represents for example (Phenyl)₃P⁺—Cl⁻ or (CH₃CH₂—O)₂P(═O)—, which can be considered as a suitable precursor of a phosphorus ylide, in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

[0189] Intermediates of formula (XXXVII) wherein C₂₋₆alkenyl′ is —CH═C(CN)—, said intermediates being represented by formula (XXXVII-b), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XI-b) with

[0190] NC—CH₂—C(═O)O—C₁₋₆alkyl, in the presence of a suitable base, such as for example piperidine, and a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol, e.g. ethanol.

[0191] Intermediates of formula (XXXIV) can be prepared by reducing an intermediate of formula (XXXVIII) in the presence H₂ and a suitable catalyst, such as for example palladium on charcoal or Raney Nickel, and in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol, e.g. methanol and the like.

[0192] Intermediates of formula (XXXV) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (VII-a) in the presence of triphenylphosphine and a suitable solvent, such as for example acetonitrile.

[0193] Intermediates of formula (XXXIX) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XL) with an intermediate of formula (II-a) wherein W₅ and W₁ are as defined hereinbefore.

[0194] The compounds of formula (I) as prepared in the hereinabove described processes may be synthesized as a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, in particular in the form of racemic mixtures of enantiomers which can be separated from one another following art-known resolution procedures. The racemic compounds of formula (I) may be converted into the corresponding diastereomeric salt forms by reaction with a suitable chiral acid. Said diastereomeric salt forms are subsequently separated, for example, by selective or fractional crystallization and the enantiomers are liberated therefrom by alkali. An alternative manner of separating the enantiomeric forms of the compounds of formula (I) involves liquid chromatography using a chiral stationary phase. Said pure stereochemically isomeric forms may also be derived from the corresponding pure stereochemically isomeric forms of the appropriate starting materials, provided that the reaction occurs stereospecifically. Preferably if a specific stereoisomer is desired, said compound will be synthesized by stereospecific methods of preparation. These methods will advantageously employ enantiomerically pure starting materials.

[0195] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in the processes described above the functional groups of intermediate compounds may need to be blocked by protecting groups.

[0196] Functional groups which it is desirable to protect include hydroxy, amino and carboxylic acid. Suitable protecting groups for hydroxy include trialkylsilyl groups (e.g. tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl or trimethylsilyl), benzyl and tetrahydro-pyranyl. Suitable protecting groups for amino include tert-butyloxycarbonyl or benzyloxycarbonyl. Suitable protecting groups for carboxylic acid include C₁₋₆alkyl or benzyl esters.

[0197] The protection and deprotection of functional groups may take place before or after a reaction step.

[0198] The use of protecting groups is fully described in ‘Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry’, edited by J. W. F. McOmie, Plenum Press (1973), and ‘Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis’ 2nd edition, T. W. Greene & P. G. M. Wutz, Wiley Interscience (1991).

[0199] The present invention also concerns new compounds of formula (VII), (XXVII), (XXIX) and (XXXVII) which can be used as intermediates in the synthesis of the compounds of formula (I) and which also exhibit HIV replication inhibiting activity.

[0200] In particular, the present invention also relates to a compound of formula

[0201] a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine and a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein

[0202] R¹, R², R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- are as defined hereinabove for the compounds of formula (I) and W₃ represents a suitable leaving group such as for example halo, e.g. chloro and the like.

[0203] The present invention also relates to a compound of formula

[0204] a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine and a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein

[0205] R¹, R², R³, R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²=-b³=b⁴- are as defined hereinabove for the compounds of formula (I).

[0206] The present invention also relates to a compound of formula

[0207] a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine and a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein

[0208] R¹, R², R⁴, X₁, ,m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- are as defined hereinabove for the compounds of formula (I) and C₂₋₆ alkenyl represents C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted with cyano.

[0209] The present invention also relates to a compound of formula

[0210] a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine and a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein

[0211] R¹, R², R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- are as defined hereinabove for the compounds of formula (I) and C₂₋₆alkenyl′ represents C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted with cyano.

[0212] Compounds of formula (III-b) as depicted below intervene in the synthesis of compounds of formula (I).

[0213] Therefore, the present invention also relates to a compound of formula (III-b)

[0214] a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine and a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein

[0215] R⁴ and X₁ are as defined hereinabove for the compounds of formula (I).

[0216] Preferred compounds of formula (III-b) are those compounds wherein X₁ represents NH. More preferred compounds of formula (III-b) are those compounds wherein X₁ represents NH and C₂₋₆alkenyl represents CH═CH. Most preferred compounds of formula (III-b) are the compounds of formula (III-b-1) as described hereinabove.

[0217] The compounds of formula (I), (I′), (I″), (I″′), (VII), (XXVII), (XXIX) and (XXXVII) show antiretroviral properties (reverse transcriptase inhibiting properties), in particular against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is the aetiological agent of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in humans. The HIV virus preferentially infects human T-4 cells and destroys them or changes their normal function, particularly the coordination of the immune system. As a result, an infected patient has an ever decreasing number of T-4 cells, which moreover behave abnormally. Hence, the immunological defense system is unable to combat infections and neoplasms and the HIV infected subject usually dies by opportunistic infections such as pneumonia, or by cancers. Other conditions associated with HIV infection include thrombocytopaenia, Kaposi's sarcoma and infection of the central nervous system characterized by progressive demyelination, resulting in dementia and symptoms such as, progressive dysarthria, ataxia and disorientation. HIV infection further has also been associated with peripheral neuropathy, progressive generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL) and AIDS-related complex (ARC).

[0218] The present compounds also show activity against (multi) drug resistant HIV strains, in particular (multi) drug resistant HIV-1 strains, more in particular the present compounds show activity against HIV strains, especially HIV-1 strains, that have acquired resistance to one or more art-known non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Art-known non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors are those non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors other than the present compounds and in particular commercial non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. The present compounds also have little or no binding affinity to human α-1 acid glycoprotein; human α-1 acid glycoprotein does not or only weakly affect the anti HIV activity of the present compounds.

[0219] Due to their antiretroviral properties, particularly their anti-HIV properties, especially their anti-HIV-1-activity, the compounds of formula (I), their N-oxides, pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts, quaternary amines and stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, are useful in the treatment of individuals infected by HIV and for the prophylaxis of these infections. In general, the compounds of the present invention may be useful in the treatment of warm-blooded animals infected with viruses whose existence is mediated by, or depends upon, the enzyme reverse transcriptase. Conditions which may be prevented or treated with the compounds of the present invention, especially conditions associated with HIV and other pathogenic retroviruses, include AIDS, AIDS-related complex (ARC), progressive generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL), as well as chronic Central Nervous System diseases caused by retroviruses, such as, for example HIV mediated dementia and multiple sclerosis.

[0220] The compounds of the present invention or any subgroup thereof may therefore be used as medicines against above-mentioned conditions. Said use as a medicine or method of treatment comprises the administration to HIV-infected subjects of an amount effective to combat the conditions associated with HIV and other pathogenic retroviruses, especially HIV-1. In particular, the compounds of formula (I) may be used in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or the prevention of HIV infections.

[0221] In view of the utility of the compounds of formula (I), there is provided a method of treating warm-blooded animals, including humans, suffering from or a method of preventing warm-blooded animals, including humans, to suffer from viral infections, especially HIV infections. Said method comprises the administration, preferably oral administration, of an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), a N-oxide form, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine or a possible stereoisomeric form thereof, to warm-blooded animals, including humans.

[0222] The present invention also provides compositions for treating viral infections comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

[0223] The compounds of the present invention or any subgroup thereof may be formulated into various pharmaceutical forms for administration purposes. As appropriate compositions there may be cited all compositions usually employed for systemically administering drugs. To prepare the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention, an effective amount of the particular compound, optionally in addition salt form, as the active ingredient is combined in intimate admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which carrier may take a wide variety of forms depending on the form of preparation desired for administration. These pharmaceutical compositions are desirable in unitary dosage form suitable, particularly, for administration orally, rectally, percutaneously, or by parenteral injection. For example, in preparing the compositions in oral dosage form, any of the usual pharmaceutical media may be employed such as, for example, water, glycols, oils, alcohols and the like in the case of oral liquid preparations such as suspensions, syrups, elixirs, emulsions and solutions; or solid carriers such as starches, sugars, kaolin, diluents, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like in the case of powders, pills, capsules, and tablets. Because of their ease in administration, tablets and capsules represent the most advantageous oral dosage unit forms, in which case solid pharmaceutical carriers are obviously employed. For parenteral compositions, the carrier will usually comprise sterile water, at least in large part, though other ingredients, for example, to aid solubility, may be included. Injectable solutions, for example, may be prepared in which the carrier comprises saline solution, glucose solution or a mixture of saline and glucose solution. Injectable suspensions may also be prepared in which case appropriate liquid carriers, suspending agents and the like may be employed. Also included are solid form preparations which are intended to be converted, shortly before use, to liquid form preparations. In the compositions suitable for percutaneous administration, the carrier optionally comprises a penetration enhancing agent and/or a suitable wetting agent, optionally combined with suitable additives of any nature in minor proportions, which additives do not introduce a significant deleterious effect on the skin. Said additives may facilitate the administration to the skin and/or may be helpful for preparing the desired compositions. These compositions may be administered in various ways, e.g., as a transdermal patch, as a spot-on, as an ointment. The compounds of the present invention may also be administered via inhalation or insufflation by means of methods and formulations employed in the art for administration via this way. Thus, in general the compounds of the present invention may be administered to the lungs in the form of a solution, a suspension or a dry powder. Any system developed for the delivery of solutions, suspensions or dry powders via oral or nasal inhalation or insufflation are suitable for the administration of the present compounds.

[0224] To aid solubility of the compounds of formula (I), suitable ingredients, e.g. cyclodextrins, may be included in the compositions. Appropriate cyclodextrins are α-, β-, γ-cyclodextrins or ethers and mixed ethers thereof wherein one or more of the hydroxy groups of the anhydroglucose units of the cyclodextrin are substituted with C₁₋₆alkyl, particularly methyl, ethyl or isopropyl, e.g. randomly methylated β-CD; hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, particularly hydroxyethyl, hydroxy-propyl or hydroxybutyl; carboxyC₁₋₆alkyl, particularly carboxymethyl or carboxy-ethyl; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, particularly acetyl. Especially noteworthy as complexants and/or solubilizers are β-CD, randomly methylated β-CD, 2,6-dimethyl-β-CD, 2-hydroxyethyl-β-CD, 2-hydroxyethyl-β-CD, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-CD and (2-carboxymethoxy)propyl-β-CD, and in particular 2-hydroxypropyl-β-CD (2-HP-β-CD).

[0225] The term mixed ether denotes cyclodextrin derivatives wherein at least two cyclodextrin hydroxy groups are etherified with different groups such as, for example, hydroxy-propyl and hydroxyethyl.

[0226] The average molar substitution (M.S.) is used as a measure of the average number of moles of alkoxy units per mole of anhydroglucose. The average substitution degree (D.S.) refers to the average number of substituted hydroxyls per anhydroglucose unit. The M.S. and D.S. value can be determined by various analytical techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). Depending on the technique used, slightly different values may be obtained for one given cyclodextrin derivative. Preferably, as measured by mass spectrometry, the M.S. ranges from 0.125 to 10 and the D.S. ranges from 0.125 to 3.

[0227] Other suitable compositions for oral or rectal administration comprise particles consisting of a solid dispersion comprising a compound of formula (I) and one or more appropriate pharmaceutically acceptable water-soluble polymers.

[0228] The term “a solid dispersion” used hereinafter defines a system in a solid state (as opposed to a liquid or gaseous state) comprising at least two components, in casu the compound of formula (I) and the water-soluble polymer, wherein one component is dispersed more or less evenly throughout the other component or components (in case additional pharmaceutically acceptable formulating agents, generally known in the art, are included, such as plasticizers, preservatives and the like). When said dispersion of the components is such that the system is chemically and physically uniform or homogenous throughout or consists of one phase as defined in thermo-dynamics, such a solid dispersion will be called “a solid solution”. Solid solutions are preferred physical systems because the components therein are usually readily bioavailable to the organisms to which they are administered. This advantage can probably be explained by the ease with which said solid solutions can form liquid solutions when contacted with a liquid medium such as the gastro-intestinal juices. The ease of dissolution may be attributed at least in part to the fact that the energy required for dissolution of the components from a solid solution is less than that required for the dissolution of components from a crystalline or microcrystalline solid phase.

[0229] The term “a solid dispersion” also comprises dispersions which are less homogenous throughout than solid solutions. Such dispersions are not chemically and physically uniform throughout or comprise more than one phase. For example, the term “a solid dispersion” also relates to a system having domains or small regions wherein amorphous, microcrystalline or crystalline compound of formula (I), or amorphous, microcrystalline or crystalline water-soluble polymer, or both, are dispersed more or less evenly in another phase comprising water-soluble polymer, or compound of formula (I), or a solid solution comprising compound of formula (I) and water-soluble polymer. Said domains are regions within the solid dispersion distinctively marked by some physical feature, small in size, and evenly and randomly distributed throughout the solid dispersion.

[0230] Various techniques exist for preparing solid dispersions including melt-extrusion, spray-drying and solution-evaporation.

[0231] The solution-evaporation process comprises the following steps:

[0232] a) dissolving the compound of formula (I) and the water-soluble polymer in an appropriate solvent, optionally at elevated temperatures;

[0233] b) heating the solution resulting under point a), optionally under vacuum, until the solvent is evaporated. The solution may also be poured onto a large surface so as to form a thin film, and evaporating the solvent therefrom.

[0234] In the spray-drying technique, the two components are also dissolved in an appropriate solvent and the resulting solution is then sprayed through the nozzle of a spray dryer followed by evaporating the solvent from the resulting droplets at elevated temperatures.

[0235] The preferred technique for preparing solid dispersions is the melt-extrusion process comprising the following steps:

[0236] a) mixing a compound of formula (I) and an appropriate water-soluble polymer,

[0237] b) optionally blending additives with the thus obtained mixture,

[0238] c) heating and compounding the thus obtained blend until one obtains a homogenous melt,

[0239] d) forcing the thus obtained melt through one or more nozzles; and

[0240] e) cooling the melt till it solidifies.

[0241] The terms “melt” and “melting” should be interpreted broadly. These terms not only mean the alteration from a solid state to a liquid state, but can also refer to a transition to a glassy state or a rubbery state, and in which it is possible for one component of the mixture to get embedded more or less homogeneously into the other. In particular cases, one component will melt and the other component(s) will dissolve in the melt thus forming a solution, which upon cooling may form a solid solution having advantageous dissolution properties.

[0242] After preparing the solid dispersions as described hereinabove, the obtained products can be optionally milled and sieved.

[0243] The solid dispersion product may be milled or ground to particles having a particle size of less than 600 μm, preferably less than 400 μm and most preferably less than 125 μm.

[0244] The particles prepared as described hereinabove can then be formulated by conventional techniques into pharmaceutical dosage forms such as tablets and capsules.

[0245] It will be appreciated that a person of skill in the art will be able to optimize the parameters of the solid dispersion preparation techniques described above, such as the most appropriate solvent, the working temperature, the kind of apparatus being used, the rate of spray-drying, the throughput rate in the melt-extruder

[0246] The water-soluble polymers in the particles are polymers that have an apparent viscosity, when dissolved at 20° C. in an aqueous solution at 2% (w/v), of 1 to 5000 mPa.s more preferably of 1 to 700 mPa.s, and most preferred of 1 to 100 mPa.s. For example, suitable water-soluble polymers include alkylcelluloses, hydroxyalkyl-celluloses, hydroxyalkyl alkylcelluloses, carboxyalkylcelluloses, alkali metal salts of carboxyalkylcelluloses, carboxyalkylallylcelluloses, carboxyalkylcellulose esters, starches, pectines, chitin derivates, di-, oligo- and polysaccharides such as trehalose, alginic acid or alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, carrageenans, galactomannans, tragacanth, agar-agar, gummi arabicum, guar gummi and xanthan gummi, polyacrylic acids and the salts thereof, polymethacrylic acids and the salts thereof, methacrylate copolymers, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, copolymers of polyvinylpyrrolidone with vinyl acetate, combinations of polyvinylalcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxides and copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Preferred water-soluble polymers are hydroxypropyl methylcelluloses.

[0247] Also one or more cyclodextrins can be used as water soluble polymer in the preparation of the above-mentioned particles as is disclosed in WO 97/18839. Said cyclodextrins include the pharmaceutically acceptable unsubstituted and substituted cyclodextrins known in the art, more particularly α, β or γ cyclodextrins or the pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof.

[0248] Substituted cyclodextrins which can be used to prepare the above described particles include polyethers described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,459,731. Further substituted cyclodextrins are ethers wherein the hydrogen of one or more cyclodextrin hydroxy groups is replaced by C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, carboxy-C₁₋₆alkyl or C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonylC₁₋₆alkyl or mixed ethers thereof. In particular such substituted cyclodextrins are ethers wherein the hydrogen of one or more cyclodextrin hydroxy groups is replaced by C₁₋₃alkyl, hydroxyC₂₋₄alkyl or carboxyC₁₋₂alkyl or more in particular by methyl, ethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, hydroxybutyl, carboxy-methyl or carboxyethyl.

[0249] Of particular utility are the β-cyclodextrin ethers, e.g. dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin as described in Drugs of the Future, Vol.9, No. 8, p. 577-578 by M. Nogradi (1984) and polyethers, e.g. hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin and hydroxyethyl β-cyclodextrin, being examples. Such an alkyl ether may be a methyl ether with a degree of substitution of about 0.125 to 3, e.g. about 0.3 to 2. Such a hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin may for example be formed from the reaction between β-cyclodextrin an propylene oxide and may have a MS value of about 0.125 to 10, e.g. about 0.3 to 3.

[0250] Another type of substituted cyclodextrins is sulfobutylcyclodextrines.

[0251] The ratio of the compound of formula (I) over the water soluble polymer may vary widely. For example ratios of 1/100 to 100/1 may be applied. Interesting ratios of the compound of formula (I) over cyclodextrin range from about 1/10 to 10/1. More interesting ratios range from about 1/5 to 5/1.

[0252] It may further be convenient to formulate the compounds of formula (I) in the form of nanoparticles which have a surface modifier adsorbed on the surface thereof in an amount sufficient to maintain an effective average particle size of less than 1000 nm. Useful surface modifiers are believed to include those which physically adhere to the surface of the compound of formula (I). but do not chemically bond to, said compound.

[0253] Suitable surface modifiers can preferably be selected from known organic and inorganic pharmaceutical excipients. Such excipients include various polymers, low molecular weight oligomers, natural products and surfactants. Preferred surface modifiers include nonionic and anionic surfactants.

[0254] Yet another interesting way of formulating the compounds of formula (I) involves a pharmaceutical composition whereby the compounds of formula (I) are incorporated in hydrophilic polymers and applying this mixture as a coat film over many small beads, thus yielding a composition which can conveniently be manufactured and which is suitable for preparing pharmaceutical dosage forms for oral administration.

[0255] Said beads comprise a central, rounded or spherical core, a coating film of a hydrophilic polymer and a compound of formula (I) and optionally a seal-coating layer.

[0256] Materials suitable for use as cores in the beads are manifold, provided that said materials are pharmaceutically acceptable and have appropriate dimensions and firmness. Examples of such materials are polymers, inorganic substances, organic substances, and saccharides and derivatives thereof.

[0257] It is especially advantageous to formulate the aforementioned pharmaceutical compositions in unit dosage form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. Unit dosage form as used herein refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active ingredient calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier. Examples of such unit dosage forms are tablets (including scored or coated tablets), capsules, pills, powder packets, wafers, suppositories, injectable solutions or suspensions and the like, and segregated multiples thereof.

[0258] Those of skill in the treatment of HIV-infection could determine the effective daily amount from the test results presented here. In general it is contemplated that an effective daily amount would be from 0.01 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg body weight, more preferably from 0.1 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg body weight. It may be appropriate to administer the required dose as two, three, four or more sub-doses at appropriate intervals throughout the day. Said sub-doses may be formulated as unit dosage forms, for example, containing 1 to 1000 mg, and in particular 5 to 200 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage form.

[0259] The exact dosage and frequency of administration depends on the particular compound of formula (I) used, the particular condition being treated, the severity of the condition being treated, the age, weight and general physical condition of the particular patient as well as other medication the individual may be taking, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, it is evident that said effective daily amount may be lowered or increased depending on the response of the treated subject and/or depending on the evaluation of the physician prescribing the compounds of the instant invention. The effective daily amount ranges mentioned hereinabove are therefore only guidelines and are not intended to limit the scope or use of the invention to any extent.

[0260] The present compounds of formula (I) can be used alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, such as anti-virals, antibiotics, immunomodulators or vaccines for the treatment of viral infections. They may also be used alone or in combination with other prophylactic agents for the prevention of viral infections. The present compounds may be used in vaccines and methods for protecting individuals against viral infections over an extended period of time. The compounds may be employed in such vaccines either alone or together with other compounds of this invention or together with other anti-viral agents in a manner consistent with the conventional utilization of reverse transcriptase inhibitors in vaccines. Thus, the present compounds may be combined with pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvants conventionally employed in vaccines and administered in prophylactically effective amounts to protect individuals over an extended period of time against HIV infection.

[0261] Also, the combination of an antiretroviral compound and a compound of formula (I) can be used as a medicine. Thus, the present invention also relates to a product containing (a) a compound of formula (I), and (b) another antiretroviral compound, as a combined preparation for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in anti-HIV treatment. The different drugs may be combined in a single preparation together with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Said other antiretroviral compounds may be known antiretroviral compounds such as suramine, pentamidine, thymopentin, castanospermine, dextran (dextran sulfate), foscarnet-sodium (trisodium phosphono formate); nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, e.g. zidovudine (3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine, AZT), didanosine (2′,3′-dideoxyinosine; ddI), zalcitabine (dideoxycytidine, ddC) or lamivudine (2′-3′-dideoxy-3′-thiacytidine, 3TC), stavudine (2′,3′-didehydro-3′-deoxythymidine, d4T), abacavir and the like; non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as nevirapine (11-cyclopropyl-5,11-dihydro4-methyl-6H-dipyrido-[3,2-b: 2′,3′-e] [1,4]diazepin-6-one), efavirenz, delavirdine, TMC-120, TMC-125 and the like; phosphonate reverse transcriptase inhibitors, e.g. tenofovir and the like; compounds of the TIBO (tetrahydro-imidazo [4,5,1jk] [1,4]-benzodiazepine-2(1H)-one and thione)-type e.g. (S)-8-chloro4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-5-methyl-6-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-imidazo-[4,5,1-jk][1,4]benzodiazepine-2(1H)-thione; compounds of the α-APA (α-anilino phenyl acetamide) type e.g. α-[(2-nitrophenyl)amino]-2,6-di-chlorobenzene-acetamide and the like; inhibitors of trans-activating proteins, such as TAT-inhibitors, e.g. RO-5-3335, or REV inhibitors, and the like; protease inhibitors e.g. indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, lopinavir (ABT-378), nelfinavir, amprenavir, TMC-126, BMS-232632, VX-175 and the like; fusion inhibitors, e.g. T-20, T-1249 and the like; CXCR4 receptor antagonists, e.g. AMD-3100 and the like; inhibitors of the viral integrase; nucleotide-like reverse transcriptase inhibitors, e.g. tenofovir and the like; ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors, e.g. hydroxyurea and the like.

[0262] By administering the compounds of the present invention with other anti-viral agents which target different events in the viral life cycle, the therapeutic effect of these compounds can be potentiated. Combination therapies as described above exert a synergistic effect in inhibiting HIV replication because each component of the combination acts on a different site of HIV replication. The use of such combinations may reduce the dosage of a given conventional anti-retroviral agent which would be required for a desired therapeutic or prophylactic effect as compared to when that agent is administered as a monotherapy. These combinations may reduce or eliminate the side effects of conventional single anti-retroviral therapy while not interfering with the anti-viral activity of the agents. These combinations reduce potential of resistance to single agent therapies, while minimizing any associated toxicity. These combinations may also increase the efficacy of the conventional agent without increasing the associated toxicity.

[0263] The compounds of the present invention may also be administered in combination with immunomodulating agents, e.g. levamisole, bropirimine, anti-human alpha interferon antibody, interferon alpha, interleukin 2, methionine enkephalin, diethyldithiocarbamate, tumor necrosis factor, naltrexone and the like; antibiotics, e.g. pentamidine isethiorate and the like; cholinergic agents, e.g. tacrine, rivastigmine, donepezil, galantamine and the like; NMDA channel blockers, e.g. memantine to prevent or combat infection and diseases or symptoms of diseases associated with HIV infections, such as AIDS and ARC, e.g. dementia. A compound of formula (I) can also be combined with another compound of formula (I).

[0264] Although the present invention focuses on the use of the present compounds for preventing or treating HIV infections, the present compounds may also be used as inhibitory agents for other viruses which depend on similar reverse transcriptases for obligatory events in their life cycle.

[0265] The following examples are intended to illustrate the present invention.

[0266] Experimental Part

[0267] Hereinafter, “DMF” is defined as N,N-dimethylformamide, “DIPE” is defined as diisopropyl ether, “THF” is defined as tetrahydrofurane, “DMA” is defined as N,N-dimethylacetamide, “DMSO” is defined as dimethylsulfoxide, “DME” is defined as dimethyl ether, “EtOAc” is defined as ethylacetate, “EDCI” is defined as N′-(ethylcarbonimidoyl)-N,N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine.

[0268] A. Preparation of the Intermediate Compounds

EXAMPLE A1

[0269] a) The Preparation of Intermediate 1

[0270] nBuLi (0.012 mol) was added dropwise at −70° C. to a mixture of N′-(bromo-2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N,N-dimethylmethanimidamide (0.0078 mol) in THF (20 ml) under N₂ flow. The mixture was stirred at −30° C. for 30 minutes, then cooled to −70° C. A mixture of DMF (0.078 mol) in THF (30 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at −70° C. for 2 hours, then brought to 0° C., poured out into H₂O and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 1.8 g of intermediate 1.

[0271] b) The Preparation of Intermediate 2

[0272] A mixture of diethyl (cyanomethyl)phosphonate (0.0037 mol) in THF (10 ml) was cooled to 5° C. under N₂ flow. Potassium tert.-butoxide (0.0037 mol) was added portionwise. The mixture was stirred at 5° C. for 30 minutes, then stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. A mixture of intermediate 1 (0.0024 mol) in THF (10 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour, then poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.82 g (100%) of intermediate 2.

[0273] c) The Preparation of Intermediate 3 and Intermediate 22

[0274] A mixture of intermediate 2 (0.059 mol) and ZnCl₂ (0.299 mol) in ethanol (150 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 24 hours, then poured out into K₂CO₃ solution (10% in water) and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (9 g) was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.8 g (6%) of intermediate 22. The filtrate was concentrated and recrystallized from DIPE to obtain 6 g of intermediate 3.

[0275] Alternatively, intermediate 3 was also prepared as follows:

[0276] To a solution of 159 g of 4-iodo-2,6-dimethyl-benzenamine was added 63.8 g of sodium acetate. The reaction mixture was kept under nitrogen atmosphere. 7 g of moistered palladium on charcoal (Pd/C 10%) and 64.4 ml of acrylonitrile was added. The reaction mixture was heated to 130° C. and stirred overnight. After cooling to room temperature, 0.5 l of toluene and 0.5 l of N,N-dimethylacetamide was added. The reaction mixture was filtered over Dicalite and the filter was washed with 0.5 l of toluene. Water (6 l) was added to the mixture which was stirred for 30 minutes. The layers were separated. To the aqueous layer, 1 l of toluene was added and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. The layers were separated again. The separated organic layers were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 123 g of intermediate 3.

[0277] Intermediate 3 was converted into its hydrochloric acid salt as follows: To a mixture of 123 g of intermediate 3 in 630 ml of ethanol was added 1.25 l of diisopropyl ether. The reaction mixture was kept under nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was heated to 60° C. and stirred for 30 minutes. 120 ml of a 6 N solution of hydrochloric acid in 2-propanol was added and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was filtered and the residue was washed with 100 ml of 2-propanol. The resulting residue was dried under reduced pressure at 50° C. Yield: 103 g (77%) of the hydrochloric acid salt (1:1) of intermediate 3.

[0278] Intermediate 3 (E) was Prepared as Follows:

[0279] x) Preparation of Intermediate 3a (E)

[0280] In 10 ml acetonitrile, dry, was dissolved 2.00 g (10.0 mol) of 4-bromo-2,6-dimethylaniline, 1.07 g (1.5 eq) of acrylamide, 224 mg (0.1 eq) of Pd(OAc)₂, 609 mg (0.2 eq) of tris(2-methylphenyl)phosphine and 1.52 g of N,N-diethylethanamine. The mixture was purged with N₂ for 20 minutes and stirred overnight at 70° C. The mixture was diluted with 150 ml of methylene chloride, washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution, dried (sat. NaCl, Na₂SO₄) and filtered. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was stirred in diisopropyl ether followed by filtration. Yield: 1.51 g (79.5%) of intermediate 3a (E).

[0281] y) Preparation of Intermediate 3 (E)

[0282] POCl₃ (3 ml) was cooled to 0° C. and 500 mg (2.63 mmol) of intermediate 3a (E) was added. After 30 minutes, the cooling bath was removed and the mixture was stirred overnight at 20° C. The mixture was added dropwise to 150 ml of diisopropyl ether while stirring vigorously. The precipitate was filtered and washed with diisopropyl ether. The residue was added to 100 ml ethyl acetate/100 ml of saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution and stirred. The ethyl acetate layer was separated, dried (sat. NaCl, Na₂SO₄) and filtered. The solvent was evaporated. Yield: 380 mg (84%) of intermediate 3 (E).

[0283] d) The Preparation of Intermediate 4

[0284] A mixture of 4-bromo-2,6-dimethylbenzenamine (0.024 mol) in H₂SO₄ (30 ml) was stirred at −5° C. KNO₃ (0.024 mol) was added slowly. The mixture was stirred at −5° C. for 30 minutes, poured out into H₂O and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with H₂O, separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.058 g, 95%) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: cyclohexane/ethyl acetate; 70/30; 15-40 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 4.1 g of intermediate 4.

EXAMPLE A1A

[0285] The Preparation of Intermediate 28

[0286] 1-chloro-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (0.032 mol) was added at 60° C. to a mixture of 4-amino-3-methyl-benzoic acid ethyl ester [CAS 40800-65-5) (0.029 mol) in CH₃CN (50 ml). The mixture was stirred and refluxed slowly. K₂CO₃ 10% was added. The mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was evaporated. The residue (6.6 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: cyclohexane/EtOAc 85/15; 15-40 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 5.2 g of intermediate 28 (84%).

EXAMPLE A2

[0287] A mixture of 4-[(1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]benzonitrile (0.12 mol) in POCl₃ (90 ml) was stirred and refluxed under Argon for 20 minutes. The reaction mixture was slowly poured onto 750 ml ice/water, and the solid was separated by filtration. The solid was suspended in 500 ml water, and the pH of the suspension was adjusted to neutral by adding a 20% NaOH solution. The solid was again separated by filtration, suspended in 200 ml 2-propanone, and 1000 ml CH₂Cl₂ was added. The mixture was heated until all solid had dissolved. After cooling to room temperature, the aqueous layer was separated, and the organic layer was dried. During removal of the drying agent by filtration, a white solid formed in the filtrate. Further cooling of the filtrate in the freezer, followed by filtration, yielded 21.38 g (77.2%) of [4-[(4-chloro-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]benzonitrile (interm. 5).

EXAMPLE A3

[0288] a) The Preparation of Intermediate 6

[0289] nBuLi (0.024 mol) was added dropwise at −70° C. to a mixture of N′-(4-bromo-2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N,N-dimethylmethanimidamide (0.0157 mol) in THF (50 ml) under N₂ flow. The mixture was stirred at −30° C. for 30 minutes, then cooled to −70° C. A solution of 2-methylpropanal (0.055 mol) in THF (50 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at −70° C. for 2 hours, then brought to 0° C., poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (6.7 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 95/5/0.5; 15-40 μm). Two fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Fraction 1: yield: 1.5 g of intermediate 6 (38%).

[0290] b) The Preparation of Intermediate 7

[0291] Tris[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl]amine (0.0193 mol) was added at room temperature to a solution of intermediate 6 (0.0048 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 ml). KMnO₄ (0.0193 mol) was added portionwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight then filtered over celite and washed with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was washed with K₂CO₃ 10%, separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 1.2 g (100%) of intermediate 7.

[0292] c) The Preparation of Intermediate 8

[0293] A mixture of intermediate 7 (0.0043 mol) and ZnCl₂ (0.017 mol) in ethanol (20 ml) was stirred and refluxed overnight, poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.94 g (82%) of intermediate 8.

[0294] d-1) The Preparation of Intermediate 9

[0295] A mixture of intermediate 8 (0.0049 mol) and intermediate 5 (0.0025 mol) was stirred at 150° C. for 2 hours and taken up in K₂CO₃ 10%/CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (1.3 g) was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. The mother layer was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 98.5/1.5; 15-40 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0:21 g of intermediate 9.

[0296] d-2) The Preparation of Intermediate 29

[0297] A mixture of intermediate 28 (0.023 mol) and intermediate 5 (prepared according to A2) (0.025 mol) in HCl 3N (10 ml) was stirred at 105° C. then brought to room temperature and filtered. The precipitate was washed with DIPE and dried. Yield: 8.4 g of intermediate 29 (96%)

[0298] d-3) The Preparation of Intermediate 30

[0299] A mixture of 4-amino-3-chloro benzoic acid ethyl ester [CAS 82765-444] (0.02 mol) and intermediate 5 (prepared according to A2) (0.0243 mol) in 1-methyl-pyrrolidin-2-one (40 ml) was stirred at 180° C. for 2 hours, then poured out into H₂O and extracted three times with EtOac (80 ml). The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (10 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂ 100; 15-30/ μm). Two fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 1.7 g F1 and 1 g F2. F2 was taken up in diethyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.95 g of intermediate 30 (12%).

[0300] e-1) The Preparation of Intermediate 17

[0301] NaBH₄ (0.0001 mol) was added portionwise at 5° C. to a mixture of intermediate 9 (0.0001 mol) in ethanol (7 ml) under N₂ flow. The mixture was stirred at 5° C. for 1 hour, poured out on ice and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.1 g) was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.044 g of intermediate 17.

[0302] e-2) The Preparation of Intermediate 32

[0303] BuLi 1.6 M (0.009 mol) was added at −78° C. to a mixture of

[0304] (intermediate 31) (prepared according to A4a) (0.0029 mol) in THF (25 ml) under N₂ flow. The mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 10 minutes, then brought to room temperature and stirred for 3 hours. H₂O was added. The mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (1.28 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 98/2/0.1; 15-40 μm).

[0305] Three fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.189 g of fraction 1, 0.14 g of fraction 2 and 0.5 g of fraction 3 (48%). Fraction 3 was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc 80/20; 10 μm). Two fractions (F1, F2) were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.25 g F1 (24%) and 0.1 g of F2. F1 was crystallized from diethyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.21 g of intermediate 32 (20%).

[0306] e-3) The Preparation of Intermediate 34

[0307] A solution of methylmagnesium iodide (1.0 M solution in diethylether) (0.6 ml) was added to a solution of

[0308] intermediate 33 (prepared according to A5.a) (0.0006 mol) in THF (3 ml). The mixture was stirred for 2 hours. H₂O was added. The mixture was filtered over celite. H₂O was added. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.05 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 96/4; 1540 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.015 g of intermediate 34 (7.2%).

EXAMPLE A4

[0309] a) The Preparation of Intermediate 10

[0310] A mixture of ethyl 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy benzoate (0.0025 mol) in 1,4dioxane (2.5 ml) was stirred at room temperature under N₂ flow. Sodium hydride (0.0033 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred for 2 minutes. Intermediate 5 (0.0028 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (2.5 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at 150° C. for 12 hours, poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (1.7 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂CH₃OH 92/8; 15-40 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.7 g of intermediate 10 (70%).

[0311] b-1) The Preparation of Intermediate 11

[0312] A solution of intermediate 10 (0.0005 mol) in THF (5 ml) was added dropwise at 0° C. to a suspension of LiAlH₄ (0.001 mol) in THF (5 ml) under N₂ flow. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour and poured out into H₂O (0.5 ml). CH₂Cl₂ was added. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl₂ 100 to CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 99/1; 5 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.1 g) was crystallized from diethyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.043 g of intermediate 11 (24%).

[0313] b-2) The Preparation of Intermediate 37

[0314] LiAlH₄ (0.0196 mol, 0.75 g) was added portionwise at 5° C. to a mixture of intermediate 29 (prepared according to A3d-2) (0.0098 mol) in THF (100 ml) under N₂ flow. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight, poured out into EtOAc, then into H₂O and filtered over celite. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 3.4 g. This fraction was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 97/3/0.1; 15-40 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield 1 g (27%). This fraction was crystallized from DIPE/CH₃CN. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.03 g of intermediate 37.

[0315] c) The Preparation of Intermediate 12

[0316] A mixture of intermediate 11 (0.0043 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (50 ml) was stirred at 0° C. SOCl₂ (0.0206 mol) was added dropwise. The mixture was poured out into ice water/K₂CO₃. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 minutes. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 1.5 g of intermediate 12 (98%).

[0317] d) The Preparation of Intermediate 55

[0318] Jones's reagent (0.0084 mol) was added to a mixture of intermediate 19 (see Table 1) (prepared according to A4b-1) (0.0028 mol) in acetone (50 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours then poured out into H₂O and basified with NaHCO₃. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 1.39 g. The residue (0.1 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 85/15/1 then CH₃OH 100). The pure fraction was crystallized from isopropanol/DIPE. Yield: 0.071 g of intermediate 55.

EXAMPLE A5

[0319] a) The Preparation of Intermediate 13

[0320] A mixture of intermediate 19 (see Table 1) (prepared according to A4.b-1) (0.0037 mol) and MnO₂ (0.0185 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (100 ml) was stirred at room temperature overnight, then filtered over celite. The filtrate was evaporated. Yield: 1.3 g of intermediate 13.

[0321] b) The Preparation of Intermediate 21

[0322] A mixture of intermediate 13 (prepared according to A5.a) (0.0029 mol) and H₂N—NH₂, H₂O (0.0058 mol) in EtOH (10 ml) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was evaporated till dryness. Yield: 0.53 g of intermediate 21.

EXAMPLE A6

[0323] The Preparation of Intermediate 14

[0324] Hydrazine (0.0077 mol) was added to a mixture of (prepared according to A3.d-1) (0.0005 mol) in EtOH (10 ml). The mixture was stirred and refluxed overnight. Hydrazine (0.028 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred and refluxed overnight. Yield: 0.28 g of intermediate 14.

EXAMPLE A7

[0325] a) The Preparation of Intermediate 23

[0326] A mixture of intermediate 35 (prepared according to A3.d-1) (0.0056 mol) in HCl 3N (60 ml) and iPrOH (15 ml) was stirred and refluxed overnight. The precipitate was filtered, washed with H₂O, taken up in DIPE and dried. Yield: 2.3 g of intermediate 23 (100%).

[0327] b) The Preparation of Intermediate 56

[0328] A mixture of intermediate 10 (prepared according to A4.a) (0.0012 mol) in HCl 3N (26 ml) and iPrOH (4 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 12 hours. The solvent was evaporated till dryness. The residue was taken up in (CH₃)₂CO. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was taken up in diethyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.4 g (78.5%). This fraction was stirred at 60° C. for 20 minutes. Yield: 0.19 g. This fraction was crystallized from H₂O/2-propanone. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.12 g of intermediate 56 (26%).

EXAMPLE A8

[0329] a) The Preparation of Intermediate 24

[0330] A mixture of intermediate 31 (prepared according to A4.a) (0.0005 mol) and (triphenylphosphoranylidene)acetic acid ethyl ester [CAS 1099-45-2] (0.0006 mol in THF (5 ml) was stirred at 80° C. for 48 hours, poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.4 g) was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.08 g (33%). This fraction was crystallized from DIPE/CH₃CN. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: intermediate 24 (33%).

[0331] b) The Preparation of Intermediate 25

[0332] Piperidine (0.0011 mol) was added at room temperature for 30 minutes. Intermediate 31 (prepared according to A4.a) (0.0005 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour, poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. The residue (0.2 g) was crystallized from CH₃CN/DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.048 g of intermediate 25 (19%) (mp. 222° C.).

EXAMPLE A9

[0333] The Preparation of Intermediate 26

[0334] A mixture of

[0335] (prepared according to A3.d-1) (0.0011 mol) and Pd/C (0.2 g) in methanol (30 ml) was hydrogenated at room temperature for 2 hours under one bar pressure, then filtered over celite. Celite was washed with CH₃OH. The filtrate was evaporated till dryness. The residue (0.3 g) was crystallized from 2-propanone/CH₃OH/diethyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.07 g of fraction 1. Fraction 1 was purified by column chromatography over kromasyl (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 99.5/0.5; 5 μm). Three fractions 9F1, F2, F3) were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.0516 g F1, 0.1 g F2 and 0.15 g F3. F1 was taken up in diethyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.028 g of intermediate 26 (8%) (mp. 272° C.).

EXAMPLE A10

[0336] The Preparation of Intermediate 27

[0337] A mixture of

[0338] (prepared according to A4.c) (0.0005 mol) and triphenylphosphine (0.0005 mol) in CH₃CN (10 ml) was stirred and refluxed for a week end. The solvent was evaporated till dryness. The residue was taken up in diethyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.34 g of intermediate 27 (94%).

EXAMPLE A11

[0339] The Preparation of Intermediate 58

[0340] A mixture of 4-bromo-2,6-dimethylbenzenamine (0.013 mol) and intermediate 5 (0.013 mol) was stirred at 150° C. for 1 hour. The mixture was poured into K₂CO₃ 10% aqueous solution and extracted with CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (95/5). The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was crystallized from diisopropyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 2.3 g (45%). The mother layer was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH—NH₄OH 98.5/1.5; 15-40 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.90 g (17%). The global yield of intermediate 5 was: 3.2 g (62%).

[0341] Intermediate 59 was prepared analogously.

Intermediate 59

[0342] Table 1 and 2 list intermediates which intervene in the preparation of compounds of the present invention. TABLE 1

Interm. No. Ex. No. X₁ R³ R^(4a) R^(4b) Physical data 11 A4b-1 O —CH₂—OH CH₃ CH₃ 12 A4c O —CH₂—Cl CH₃ CH₃ 16 A3e NH —CH(OH)—CH₃ CH₃ CH₃ 17 A3e NH —CH(OH)—CH(CH₃)₂ CH₃ CH₃ 18 A3e NH —CH(OH)—CH₂—CH₃ CH₃ CH₃ 19 A4b-1 NH —CH₂—OH CH₃ CH₃ 15 A4c NH —CH₂—Cl CH₃ CH₃ 24 A8a O —CH═CH—C(═O)—O—C₂H₅ CH₃ CH₃ mp. 180° C.; (E) 25 A8b O

CH₃ CH₃ mp. 222° C.; (A) 35 A3d-1 NH —CH═CH—C(═O)—O—C₂H₅ CH₃ CH₃ mp. 200° C.; (E) 23 A7a NH —CH═CH—COOH CH₃ CH₃ 34 A3e-3 NH —CH(OH)—CH₃ CH₃ H mp. 182° C. 36 A4b-1 NH —CH₂—OH CH₃ H mp. 210° C. 37 A4b-2 NH —CH₂—OH Cl CH₃ 38 A4b-1 NH —CH₂—OH Cl H mp. 226° C. 39 A3e-1 O —CH(OH)—CH₃ CH₃ H mp. 160° C. 40 A4b-1 S —CH₂—OH CH₃ CH₃ mp. 173° C. 41 A4b-1 NH —CH₂—OH Br H mp. 234° C. 32 A3e-2 O —CH(OH)—CH₃ CH₃ CH₃ mp. 193° C. 42 A4b-1 NH —CH₂—OH Br CH₃ mp. 250° C. 43 A4b-1 NH —CH₂—OH OH H mp. 124° C. 44 A4b-1 NH —CH₂—OH H H mp. 215° C. 45 A4b-1 NH —CH₂—OH O—CH₃ H 46 A4b-1 NH —CH₂—OH CF₃ H mp. 194° C. 47 A4c NH —CH₂—Cl Cl CH₃ 48 A4c NH —CH₂—Cl Cl H 49 A3e-1 O —CH₂—OH CH₃ H 50 A4c O —CH₂—Cl CH₃ H 51 A4b-1 NH —CH₂—OH C(CH₃)₃ H 52 A4c NH —CH₂—Cl CH₃ H 53 A4b-1 NH —CH₂—OH 2-furanyl CH₃ 54 A4c NH —CH₂—Cl Br CH₃ 57 A7b O —CH═CH—COOH CH₃ CH₃

[0343] TABLE 2

Interm. No. Ex. No. X₁ R³ Physical data 20 A3e NH —CHOH—CH₃

[0344] Preparation of the Final Compounds

EXAMPLE B1

[0345] The Preparation of Compound 1

[0346] A mixture of intermediate 3 (0.034 mol) and intermediate 5 (0.0174 mol) was stirred at 150° C. for 1 hour and taken up in K₂CO₃ 10%/CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (10 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/ethyl acetate 80/20; 15-40 μm). Fraction 1 was crystallized from iPrOH. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 1.3 g of 4-[[4-[[4-(2-cyanoethenyl)-2,6-dimethylphenyl]amino]-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]benzonitrile (E) (compound 1) (20%).

EXAMPLE B1A

[0347] Compound 1 was also prepared as follows:

[0348] A mixture of 93.9 g (0.45 mol) of the hydrochloric acid salt of intermediate 3, prepared according to Example A1c), and 109 g (0.4725 mol) of intermediate 5 in 1.8 l of acetonitrile was prepared under nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was stirred and refluxed for 69 hours, then allowed to cool to 55° C. The mixture was filtered and the residue was washed with 200 ml of acetonitrile, followed by drying under reduced pressure at 50° C. overnight. 144,6 g (0.3666 mol) of the obtained solid was brought in 1 1 of K₂CO₃ 10% aqueous solution. The mixture was stirred at room temperature followed by filtration. The obtained residue was washed twice with water followed by drying at 50° C. under reduced pressure. The residue was brought in 6.55 l isopropanol and the mixture was refluxed, then stirred overnight and filtered at room temperature. The residue was was dried at 50° C. under reduced pressure. Yield: 113.2 g (68.6%) of 4-[[4-[[4-(2-cyanoethenyl)-2,6-dimethylphenyl]amino]-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]benzonitrile (E) (compound 1).

EXAMPLE B1B

[0349] Alternatively, compound 1 was also prepared as follows:

[0350] a) A mixture of intermediate 58 (0.00021 mol), prepared according to Example A11, acrylonitrile (CH₂═CH—CN) (0.00213 mol), Pd(OAc)₂ (0.000043 mol), N,N-diethylethanamine (0.000043 mol) and tris(2-methylphenyl)phosphine (0.00021 mol) in CH₃CN (7 ml) was stirred in a sealed vessel at 150° C. overnight. H₂O was added. The mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.15 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/ethyl acetate 80/20; 15-40 μm). Fraction 1 was collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 0.045 g of 4-[[4-[[4-(2-cyanoethenyl)-2,6-dimethylphenyl]amino]-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]benzonitrile (E/Z=80/20). The solid was crystallized from diethylether. Yield: 0.035 g of 4-[[4-[[4-(2-cyanoethenyl)-2,6-dimethylphenyl]amino]-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]benzonitrile (E) (compound 1) (55%).

[0351] b) 4.41 g (10 mmol) of intermediate 59 and 15 ml of N,N-dimethylacetamide were brought in a 100 ml flask under nitrogen. To this mixture were added 0.98 g of sodium acetate (12 mmol), 107 mg (0.1 mmol Pd) of Pd/C 10% (wet) and 1 ml (15 mmol) of acrylonitrile. The mixture was heated at 140° C. and the evolution of the reaction was followed by liquid chromatography. The reaction yielded 4-[[4-[[4-(2-cyanoethenyl)-2,6-dimethylphenyl]amino]-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]benzonitrile (E/Z-80/20) which can be converted to 4-[[4-[[4-(2-cyanoethenyl)-2,6-dimethylphenyl]amino-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]benzonitrile (E) as described above in Example B1Ba).

EXAMPLE B2

[0352] a) The Preparation of Compound 2

[0353] A mixture of

[0354] (prepared according to A3.d-1) (0.0002 mol), 2-benzofuranylboronic acid (0.0005 mol), Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.00002 mol) and Na₂CO₃ (0.0007 mol) in DME (3 ml) was stirred and refluxed in a scelled tube for 3 hours. H₂O was added. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.126 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 98/2; 15-40 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.011 g of compound 2 (10%).

[0355] b) The Preparation of Compound 3

[0356] A mixture of

[0357] (prepared according to A3.d-1) (0.0002 mol), tributyl-2-furanylstannane (0.0005 mol) and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.00001 mol) in dioxane (5 ml) was stirred at 80° C. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 98/2; 15-40 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.025 g) was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.021 g of compound 3 (22%).

[0358] c) The Preparation of Compound 104

[0359] A mixture of

[0360] (prepared according to A3.d) (0.005 mol),

[0361] [CAS 73183-34-3] (0.0055 mol), Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.29 g) and K₂CO₃ (2.8 g, 0.02 mol) in toluene (100 ml) and ethanol/water (5 to 10 ml) was stirred and refluxed for a weekend. 5-Bromo-furan-2-carbaldehyde (0.0055 mol) and K₂CO₃ (1.4 g, 0.01 mol) were added. The mixture was stirred and refluxed overnight. The mixture (2.25 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0 to 99/1; 15-40 mm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.135 g of compound 104 (6%).

EXAMPLE B3

[0362] The Preparation of Compound 4

[0363] A mixture of intermediate 15 (see Table 1) (prepared according to A4.c) (0.0005 mol) and NaCN (0.0011 mol) in DMF (5 ml) was stirred at 80° C. overnight, poured out into H₂O and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.15 g) was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 99/1; 10 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.024 g) was purified by column chromatography over hypersil (eluent: acetonitrile/H₂O 52/48; 8 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.02 g of compound 4 (10%).

EXAMPLE B4

[0364] a) The Preparation of Compound 5

[0365] A mixture of

[0366] (prepared according to A3.d) (0.0006 mol) and thiomorpholine (0.5 g) was stirred at 120° C. for 48 hours, taken up in CH₂Cl₂ and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.44 g) was purified by column chromatography over kromasyl (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 99/1; 10/,m). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.06 g (20%). This fraction was crystallized from diethyl ether/2-propanone. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.035 g of compound 5.

[0367] b) The Preparation of Compound 6

[0368] A mixture of intermediate 15 (see Table 1) (prepared according to A4.c) (0.000137 mol), N,N,N′-trimethyl-1,2-ethanediamine (2 equiv, 0.000275 mol) and K₂CO₃ (2 equiv, 0.000275 mol) in CH₃CN (q.s.) was stirred at 80° C. for 12 hours. H₂O was added. The mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The extract's solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by chromatography. The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.006 g of compound 6 (10.16%).

[0369] c) The Preparation of Compound 7

[0370] A mixture of intermediate 15 (see Table 1) (prepared according to A4.c) (0.0005 mol) in 3-hydroxy-propanenitrile (2 ml) was stirred overnight, poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 99/1/0.1; 15-40 μm). Two fractions (F1, F2) were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.034 g F1 and 0.514 g F2. F2 was washed with HCl 3N and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.039 g of compound 7 (18%)

[0371] d) The Preparation of Compound 105

[0372] A mixture of intermediate 50 (prepared according to A4c) (0.001 mol), KCN (0.0011 mol) and KI (0.00005 mol) in EtOH (15 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 4 hours. The solvent was evaporated till dryness. The residue was taken up in CH₂Cl₂/H₂O. The mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated,. dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.31 g) was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: cyclohexane/EtOAc 70/30; 10 μm). Three fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.044 g of fraction 1, 0.11 g of fraction 2 and 0.055 g of fraction 3. Fraction 3 was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.046 g of compound 105 (12%) (mp. 14020 C.).

EXAMPLE B5

[0373] a) The Preparation of Compound 8

[0374] A mixture of intermediate 9 (0.0001 mol) and hydroxylamine (0.0002 mol) in EtOH (7 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours, poured out into K₂CO₃ 10% and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.1 g) was crystallized from DIPE/CH₃CN. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.026 g of compound 8.

[0375] b) The Preparation of Compound 9

[0376] A mixture of intermediate 9 (0.0002 mol) and O-methylhydroxylamine (0.0003 mol) in EtOH (10 ml) was stirred at room temperature overnight, poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.13 g) was purified by column chromatography over kromasyl (eluent: cyclohexane/iPrOH/NH₄OH; 5 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.06 g) was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.036 g of compound 9 (34%).

EXAMPLE B6

[0377] a) The Preparation of Compound 1 and 10

[0378] A mixture of (cyanomethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride (0.0022 mol) and potassium tert.-butoxide (0.0022 mol) in THF (7 ml) was stirred at 5° C. for 30 minutes under N₂ flow, then stirred at 5° C. for 30 minutes. A mixture of intermediate 13 (0.0015 mol) in THF (7 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred for 8 hours in darkness, poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (1.4 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: toluene/iPrOH/NH₄OH 96/4/0.1; 15-40 μm). Two fractions (F1, F2) were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.165 g of F1 (E/Z=32/68) (30%) and 0.225 g of F2 (E/Z=90/10) (41%). F2 was crystallized from CH₃CN/diethyl ether. Yield: 0.036 g of compound 1 (7%). F1 was purified by column chromatography over kromasyl (eluent: toluene/iPrOH 98/2; 5 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.029 g of compound 10 (5%).

[0379] b) The Preparation of Compound 11 and Compound 103 (E)

[0380] Potassium tert-terbutoxide (0.0196 mol) was added portionwise at 5° C. to a mixture of (1-cyanoethyl)-phosphonic acid diethyl ester (0.0196 mol) in THF (25 ml) under N₂ flow. The mixture was stirred at 5° C. for 30 minutes, then at room temperature for 30 minutes. A solution of intermediate 13 (0.0130 mol) in lo (25 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight, poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (5.8 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: toluene/iPrOH/NH₄OH 92/8/0.5; 15-40 μcm). Four fractions (F1, F2, F3, F4) were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.21 g of F1 (mixture Z/E=90/10), 0.836 g of F2 (mixture Z/E-57/43), 0.9 g of F3 and 0.87 g of F4. F3 was crystallized from DIPE/iPrOH to give 0.7 g of compound 11 (14%). F4 was crystallized from DIPE/iPrOH to give 0.67 g of compound 103 (13%).

[0381] c) The Preparation of Compound 12 and 13

[0382] Potassium tert.-butoxide (0.0008 mol) was added portionwise at 5° C. to a mixture of (cyanomethyl)phosphonic acid diethyl ester (0.0005 mol) in THF (20 ml) under N₂ flow. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. A solution of

[0383] (prepared according to A3.d-1) (0.0005 mol) in THF (4 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours, poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.3 g. This fraction was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 99/1; 5 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.21 g. This fraction was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 50/50; 10 μm). Two fractions (F1, F2) were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.04 g of F1 and 0.047 g F2. F1 was dried at 70° C. for 2 hours. Yield: 0.038 g of compound 13 (18%). F2 was dried at 70° C. for 2 hours. Yield: 0.041 g of compound 12 (20%).

[0384] d) The Preparation of Compound 14

[0385] Potassium tert.-butoxide (0.0013 mol) was added at 5° C. to a mixture of (cyanomethyl)phoshonic acid diethyl ester (0.0013 mol) in THF (10 ml) under N₂ flow. The mixture was stirred at 5° C. for 30 minutes. A mixture of

[0386] (prepared according to A3.d-1) (0.0009 mol) in THF (10 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours, poured out into H₂O and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.17 g) was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl₂ 100 to CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 99/1; 5 μm). Two fractions (F1, F2) were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.054 g F1 and 0.05 g F2. F1 was crystallized from DIPE/CH₃CN. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.046 g of compound 14 (12%).

[0387] e) The Preparation of Compound 15

[0388] 4-Fluorobenzeneacetonitrile (1.2 equiv, 0.000175 ml) was added to a mixture of intermediate 13 (0.000146 mol) in CH₃OH (1 ml). NaOCH₃/CH₃OH (1.2 equiv, 0.000175 mol) was added at room temperature. The mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 2 hours, then poured out into ice-water and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by chromatography. The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.009 g of compound 15 (13.42%).

[0389] f) The Preparation of Compound 106

[0390] A mixture of intermediate 13 (prepared according to A5.a) (0.0005 mol) and piperidine (0.0005 mol) in ethanol (5 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. 4,4-dimethyl-3-oxo-pentanenitrile (0.0011 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight, poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.3 g) was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 99/1; 10 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.2 g) was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.141 g of compound 106 (54%) (mp. 193° C.).

EXAMPLE B7

[0391] The Preparation of Compound 16

[0392] A mixture of intermediate 14 (0.00005 mol) and carbonothioic dichloride (0.001 mol) in dioxane (10 ml) was stirred at room temperature. H₂O was added. The mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. This fraction was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 90/10/0.1; 15-40 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.027 g of compound 16 (95.6%).

EXAMPLE B8

[0393] The Preparation of Compound 17

[0394] The mixture of NaOCH₃ (0.001 mol) and 2-(dimethylamino)-N-hydroxy-ethanimidamide (0.001 mol) in EtOH (10 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes.

[0395] (prepared according to A3.d-1) (0.0005 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred and refluxed overnight. H₂O was added. The mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 95/5/0.1; 15-40 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.07 g of compound 17 (31%).

EXAMPLE B9

[0396] The Preparation of Compound 18

[0397] nBuLi (0.0038 mol) was added dropwise at −70° C. to a mixture of iPr₂NH (0.0038 mol) in THF (5 ml) under N₂ flow. The mixture was brought to −20° C., stirred for 30 minutes and cooled again to −70° C. A solution of CH₃CN (0.0038 mol) in THF (6 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was brought to −20° C., stirred for 1 hour, cooled again to −70° C. A mixture of intermediate 13 (0.0009 mol) in THF (1 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred for 2 hours, poured out on ice at −30° C. and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.433 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 98/2; 35-70 μm). Two fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.056 g F1 and 0.23 g F2 (78%). F1 was crystallized from DIPE/CH₃CN. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.036 g of compound 18.

EXAMPLE B9A

[0398] a) The Preparation of Compound 107

[0399] nBuLi[1.6] (0.0026 mol) was added dropwise at −70° C. to a mixture of intermediate 13 (prepared according to A5.a) (0.0008 mol) in THF (10 ml) under N₂ flow. The mixture was stirred at −70° C. for 30 minutes. A solution of (chloromethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride (0.0026 mol) in THF (5 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight, poured out into H₂O and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.7 g) was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl/CH₃OH 99/1; 10 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.155 g) was purified by column chromatography over C18 (eluent: CH₃CN/NH₄Ac 0.5% 60/40). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.051 g) was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.029 g of compound 107 (9%). (mp. 250° C.)

[0400] b) The Preparation of Compound 108 and 109

[0401] nBuLi[1.6] (0.00261 mol) was added dropwise at −70° C. to a mixture of (chloromethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride (0.00261 mol) in THF (10 ml) under N₂ flow. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. A solution of intermediate 31 (prepared according to A4.a) (0.00087 mol) in THF (5 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight, then poured out into H₂O and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (1.1 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 98/2/0.1; 15-40 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.3 g) was purified by column chromatography over hypersil C18 (eluent: CH₃OH/NH₄Ac 0.5% 70/30). Two fractions (F1, F2) were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.097 g F1 and 0.085 g F2. F1 was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.045 g of compound 108 (14%) (mp. 165° C.). F2 was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.049 g of compound 109 (15%) (mp. 200° C.).

[0402] c) The Preparation of Compound 110

[0403] nBuLi[1.6] (1.1 ml,10.0017 mol) was added dropwise at −70° C. to a mixture of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyldisilazane (HN(TMS)₂)(0.0017 mol) in THF (6 ml). The mixture was stirred at −70° C. for 30 minutes. Cyanofluoromethyl (0.0017 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. Phosphorochloridic acid diethyl ester (0.0017 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred at −70° C. for 15 minutes. nBuLi[1.6] (1.1 ml, 0.0017 mol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. A solution of intermediate 31 (prepared according to A4.a) (0.0008 mol) in THF (4 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight, poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.5 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc 95/5; 15-40 μm). Four fractions (F1, F2, F3, F4) were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.026 g of compound 110 (8%) (mp. 254° C.).

[0404] d) The Preparation of Compound 111

[0405] A solution of (CuCl)₂ (0.00015 mol ) in NH₃ aqueous (500 μl) was added to a mixture of intermediate 21 (prepared according to A5.b) (0.0014 mol) in DMSO (1 ml). A solution of CBr₄ (0.0044 mol) in DMSO (1.5 ml) was added at 0C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight, poured out on ice and filtered. The organic layer was washed with CH₂Cl₂, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (2.73 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0 to 99/1; 15-40 μm). Two fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.007 g of fraction 1 and 0.11 g of fraction 2. Fraction 2 was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.075 g of compound 111 (mp. 223° C.).

EXAMPLE B9B

[0406] a) The Preparation of Compound 112

[0407] A mixture of intermediate 23 (0.0005 mol), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (0.0007 mol) and EDCI (0.0007 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 ml) and THF (2 ml) was stirred. A solution of NH(CH₃)₂.HCl (0.0006 mol) and Et₃N (0.0005 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. H₂O was added. The mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0 to 90/10; 5,μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.124 g (58%). This fraction was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl_(2/)CH₃OH 99/1; 5 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.045 g of compound 112 (21%) (mp.>264° C.).

[0408] b) The Preparation of Compound 113

[0409] A mixture of intermediate 57 (prepared according to A7.b) (0.0002 mol), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (0.0003 mol) and EDCI (0.0003 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 ml) was stirred. N-methyl-1-butanamine [CAS 110-68-9] (0.0002 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. H₂O was added. The mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.149 g. This fraction was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0 to 90/10; 5 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.065 g. This fraction was taken up in DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.035 g of compound 113 (30%) (mp. 212° C.).

[0410] c) The Preparation of Compound 114

[0411] A mixture of intermediate 23 (prepared according A7.a) (0.0005 mol), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (0.0007 mol) and EDCI (0.0007 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 ml) and THF (2 ml) was stirred. 3-(methylamino)propanenitrile (0.0006 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. H₂O was added. The mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0 to 90/10; 5 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.068 g. This fraction was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.032 g of compound 114 (14%) (mp. 168° C.).

[0412] d) The Preparation of Compound 115

[0413] A mixture of

[0414] (0.000195 mol) and methylamine (2 equiv, 0.000390 mol) in THF (5 ml) and Et₃N (0.054 ml)was stirred at room temperature. EDCI (2 equiv, 0.000390 mol) and 1-hydroxy-benzotriazole (2 equiv, 0.000390 mol) were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours and taken up into H₂O. The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent evaporated. The product was isolated and purified by column chromatography. Yield: 0.026 g of compound 115 (17.92%).

EXAMPLE B9C

[0415] The Preparation of Compound 116

[0416] A mixture of intermediate 13 (prepared according to A5.a) (0.000291 mol) and isonicotinic acid hydrazide (2.5 equiv., 0.000728 mol) in ethanol (1 ml) and CH₂Cl₂ (2 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 12 hours. The solvent was evaporated till dryness. The residue was purified by chromatography. Yield: 0.033 g of compound 116 (24.50%).

EXAMPLE B9D

[0417] a) The Preparation of Compound 117

[0418] Sodium cyanoborohydride (0.0024 mol) was added at room temperature to a solution of intermediate 26 (prepared according to A9) (0.0008 mol) in formaldehyde (0.5 ml) and CH₃CN (20 ml) under N₂ flow. Acetic acid (0.5 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, poured out into H₂O/K₂CO₃ 10% and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.3 g) was purified by column chromatography over hypersol (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 97/3; 5 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.08 g (28%). This fraction was crystallized from 2-propanone/diethyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.012 g of compound 117 (5%) (mp. 132° C.).

[0419] b) The Preparation of Compound 118

[0420] A mixture of

[0421] (prepared according to A9) (0.0015 mol) and tetrahydro-2,5-dimethoxyfuran (0.0077 mol) in acetic acid (10 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 1 hour, then poured out into ice water and K₂CO₃ and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (1 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: cyclohexane/EtOAc 95/5; 15-40 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.23 g. This fraction was crystallized from DIPE/diethyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.075 g. This fraction was crystallized again from DIPE/diethyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.027 g of compound 118 (5%).

EXAMPLE B9E

[0422] a) The Preparation of Compound 119

[0423] Tributylphoshine (0.0015 mol) was added to a mixture of but-2-enedinitrile (0.0015 mol) in THF (8 ml). The mixture was stirred and refluxed for 2 hours.

[0424] prepared according to A5.a) (0.0005 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred and refluxed overnight. H₂O was added. The mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.618 g) was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl₂ 100; 10 μm). Two fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.03 g of compound 119 (13%).

[0425] b) The Preparation of Compound 120

[0426] Intermediate 13 (prepared according to A5.a) (0.002 mol) was added to a mixture of propanedinitrile (0.004 mol) and piperidine (0.004 mol) in ethanol (10 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 minutes. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was taken up in CH₂Cl₂ and purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 98/2; 15-40 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.6 g of compound 120.

EXAMPLE B9F

[0427] The Preparation of Compound 122

[0428] nBuLi [1.6 M] (0.0016 mol) was added dropwise at −78° C. to a mixture of intermediate 27 (prepared according to A10) (0.0004 mol) in THF (10 ml) under N₂ flow. The mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 1 hour, then brought to room temperature, stirred for 30 minutes and cooled to −78° C. A solution of 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (0.0004 mol) in THF (10 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, poured out on ice and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.32 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel. (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 98/2/0.1; 10 μm). Two fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.021 g of compound 122 (10.4%) (mp. 120° C.).

EXAMPLE B10

[0429] The Preparation of Compound 20

[0430] NaBH₄ (0.0015 mol) was added portionwise at 5° C. to a mixture of compound 19 (see table 3) (prepared according to B1) (0.0014 mol) in CH₃OH (15 ml) under N₂ flow. The mixture was stirred at 5° C. for 1 hour, poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.15 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 99/1; 10 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.068 g, 12%) was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.032 g of compound 20.

EXAMPLE B11

[0431] The Preparation of Compound 21

[0432] A mixture of compound 2 (see table 3) (0.0002 mol), 3-thienylboronic acid (0.0005 mol), Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.00002 mol) and Na₂CO₃ (0.0007 mol) in DME (3 ml) was stirred and refluxed in a scelled tube for 3 hours. H₂O was added. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 98/2; 15-40 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.04 g of compound 21 (40%).

EXAMPLE B12

[0433] The Preparation of Compound 23

[0434] A mixture of compound 22 (see table 3) (prepared according to B4.a) (0.0002 mol) and Raney Nickel (0.1 g) in CH₃OH (10 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes under a 2 bar pression of H₂, then filtered over celite. Celite was washed with CH₃OH. The filtrate was evaporated. Yield: 0.48 g. This fraction was purified by column chromatography over kromasyl (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 99/1; 15-40 μm). Two fractions (F1, F2) were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.13 g F1 and 0.13 g F2. F2 was crystallized from diethyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.09 g of compound 23 (20%).

EXAMPLE B13

[0435] The Preparation of Compound 24

[0436] A mixture of compound 1 (0.0004 mol) and Pd/C (0.07 g) in CH₃OH (10 ml) was hydrogenated at room temperature for 5 hours under a 3 bar pressure of H₂, then filtered over celite, washed with CH₂Cl₂ and the solvent was evaporated till dryness. The residue was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. The residue (0.7 g) was purified by column chromatography over kromasyl (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 100/0 to 99/1; 5 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.06 g) was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.04 g of compound 24 (27%).

EXAMPLE B14

[0437] The Preparation of Compound 26

[0438] NaH 60% (0.0004 mol) was added at room temperature to a mixture of compound 25 (see Table 4) (prepared according to B6.c) (0.0004 mol) in THF (30 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. A solution of ICH₃ (0.0004 mol) in THF (30 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 2 hours, then cooled, poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.12 g) was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 99/1; 10 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.049 g of compound 26 (32%).

EXAMPLE B15

[0439] a) The Preparation of Compound 123

[0440] Jones's reagent (0.0056 mol) was added at 5° C. to a mixture of compound 18 (prepared according to B9) (0.0029 mol) in 2-propanone (20 ml) under N₂ flow. The mixture was stirred at 5° C. for 2 hours, then poured out into H₂0, basified with NaHCO₃ and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (1.5 g) was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/NH₄OH 98/2/0.1; 15-40 μm). Two fractions (F1, F2) were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.122 g F1 (11%) and 0.19 g F2 (17%). F2 was crystallized from DIPE. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.034 g of compound 123 (mp. 150° C.).

[0441] b) The Preparation of Compound 124

[0442] A mixture of compound 123 (0.0005 mol) in POCl₃ (1.5 ml) was stirred at 80° C. for 24 hours, poured out into ice and K₂CO₃ 10% and extracted with CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.14 g) was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl₂CH₃OH 99/1; 10 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.026 g of compound 124.

EXAMPLE B16

[0443] a) The Preparation of Compound 125

[0444] NaOH 5N (2 ml) was added dropwise at 50° C. to a mixture of compound 104 (see Table 3) (prepared according to B2.c) (0.0003 mol) and NH₂OH, HCl (0.0004 mol) in ethanol (10 ml). The mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 2 hours. Two-third of the mixture was evaporated. The mixture was poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was washed with K₂CO₃ 10%, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.21 g of compound 125.

[0445] b) The Preparation of Compound 126

[0446] 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (0.0012 mol) was added to a mixture of compound 125 (0.0003 mol) in THF (20 ml). The mixture was stirred and refluxed overnight, poured out into H₂O and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (0.17 g) was purified by column chromatography over kromasil (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 98/2; 10 μm). Two fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.035 g of fraction 1 and 0.05 g of fraction 2. Both fractions were mixed and crystallized from diethyl ether. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.05 g of compound 126 (38%) (mp. >260° C.).

EXAMPLE B17

[0447] Preparation of compound 253

[0448] a) 2.53 ml of acetonitrile, 0.056 g (0.253 mmol) of Pd(OAc)₂ and 0.154 g (0.506 mmol) of tris(2-methylphenyl)phosphine were brought in a 100 ml flask under nitrogen and the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. To the mixture was added 1 g (2.53 mmol) of intermediate 58, 0.51 ml (3.8 mmol) of N,N-diethylethanamine and 0.36 g (5.06 mmol) of acrylamide. The mixture was heated at reflux (80° C.) for 5 days yielding 28% of compound 253.

[0449] b) In a 100 ml flask under N₂ were introduced 0.8 g (4.33 mmol; 1 eq.) of intermediate 3a (E), 1 g (4.33 mmom; 1 eq.) of intermediate 5 and 16 ml of 2-propanol. To this mixture 0.72 ml of HCl 6N in 2-propanol were added. The mixture was stirred under refluxed for 72 hours and then cooled yielding the hydrochloric acid salt of compound 253, i.e. compound 254.

[0450] Compound 254 can be converted into the free base according to art-known methodologies (see also Example B1A).

[0451] Compound 253 can be converted into compound 1 according to the method described above in Example A1c)y).

[0452] The following Tables 3, 4 and 5 list compounds of formula (I) as prepared according to one of the above examples (Ex. No.). TABLE 3

Comp No. Ex. No. R³ R⁴ Physical data mp. ° C./(MH+)* 2 B2a 2-benzofuranyl H mp. >240 21 B11 3-thienyl H mp. 220 3 B2b 2-furanyl H mp. 228 28 B2a 2-thienyl H mp. 235 29 B2a phenyl H mp. 230 1 B1/B6a —CH═CH—CN H mp. 245, (E) 30 B2a 2,4-dichlorophenyl H (460) 31 B2a 2-benzo[b]thienyl H (448) 32 B2a 1-naphthalenyl H (442) 33 B2a 3-chlorophenyl H (426) 34 B2a 3-acetylphenyl H (434) 35 B2a 3-methylphenyl H (406) 36 B2a 2-naphthalenyl H (442) 37 B2a 4-chlorophenyl H (426) 38 B2a 4-methoxyphenyl H (422) 39 B2a 4-methylthiophenyl H (438) 40 B2a

H 19 B1

H mp. 220 8 B5a —C(═N—OH)—CH(CH₃)₂ H mp. 156 20 B10

H mp. 205 27 B1

H mp. 193 41 B10

H mp. 200 42 B5a

H mp. 155 43 B4b

H mp. 110 44 B5b

H mp. 110 45 B5a —C(═N—OH)—CH₃ H mp. 135 9 B5b —C(═N—O—CH₃)—CH(CH₃)₂ H mp. 185 46 B5b

H mp. 164 47 B4b —CH₂—N(CH₂—CH₃)₂ H mp. 150 48 B4b

H mp. 85 15 B6e

H (461) 49 B6e

H (449) 50 B6e

H (487) 51 B6e

H (493) 52 B6e

H (473) 53 B6e

H (443) 54 B6e

H (446) 55 B6e

H (449) 56 B6e

H (521) 57 B6e

H (457) 6 B4b —CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—N(CH₃)₂ H (430) 58 B4b

H (506) 59 B4b

H (428) 60 B4b

H (532) 61 B4b

H (504) 62 B4b

H (503) 63 B4b

H (472) 64 B4b

H (491) 65 B4b —CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₃ H (415) 66 B4b

H (442) 67 B4b

H (410) 68 B4b —CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—CH₃ H (401) 69 B4b

H (399) 70 B4b

H (396) 71 B4b —CH₂—N(CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₃)₂ H (461) 72 B4b

H (485) 73 B4b

H (456) 74 B4b

H (492) 75 B4b —CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—CN H (412) 76 B4b

H (443) 77 B4b

H (397) 78 B4b

H (417) 79 B4b

H (464) 80 B4b —CH₂—NH—CH₂—CH₂—N(CH₂—CH₃)₂ H mp, 105 81 B1

H mp. 240 82 B10

H mp. 170 24 B13 —CH₂—CH₂—CN H mp. 208 83 B8

H mp. >250° C. 14 B6d

H mp. 158 84 B6c —C(CH₃)═CH—CN H mp. 224° C. (E) 18 B9 —CH(OH)—CH₂—CN H mp. 252° C. 85 B4b

H (474) 86 B4b

H (473) 87 B4b

H (426) 88 B4b

H (424) 89 B4b

H (446) 90 B4b

H (397) 91 B4b

H (438) 92 B4b

H (438) 93 B4b

H (410) 94 B4b

H (410) 95 B4b

H (478) 96 B4b

H (473) 103 B6b —CH═C(CH₃)—CN H mp. 201° C. (E) 11 B6b —CH═C(CH₃)—CN H mp. 246° C. (Z) 10 B6a —CH═CH—CN H mp. 258° C. (Z) 4 B3 —CH₂—CN H 17 B8

H mp. 110° C. 97 B8

H mp. 240° C. 16 B7

H mp. >250° C. 7 B4c —CH₂—O—CH₂—CH₂—CN H mp >260 5 B4a 4-thiomorpholinyl —NO₂ mp. 268 98 B4a 4-morpholinyl —NO₂ mp. 210 22 B4a 1-piperidinyl —NO₂ mp. 252 23 B12 1-piperidinyl —NH₂ mp. 262 12 B6c H —C(CH₃)═CH—CN (E) (381) 13 B6c H —C(CH₃)═CH—CN (Z) (381) 127 B1 —N(CH₃)₂ H mp. 228° C. 123 B15a —C(═O)—CH₂—CN H mp. 150° C. 116 B9C

H (463) 128 B9C

H (480) 129 B9C

H (452) 130 B9C —CH═N—NH—C(═O)—CH₃ H (400) 131 B9C —CH═N—NH—C(═O)—CH₂—CN H (425) 132 B9C

H (468) 115 B9Bd —C(═O)—NH—CH₃ H (373) 134 B9Bd —C(═O)—N(CH₃)₂ H (387) 135 B9Bd —C(═O)—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₃ H (401) 136 B9Bd —C(═O)—N(CH₂—CH₃)₂ H (415) 137 B9Bd —C(═O)—NH—CH₂—CH₃ H (387) 138 B9Bd —C(═O)—NH—CH₂—CN H (398) 139 B9Bd —C(═O)—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CN H (412) 140 B9Bd —C(═O)—NH—CH₂—C≡CH H (397) 141 B9Bd —C(═O)—NH—CH₂—CH═CH₂ H (399) 142 B9Bd —C(═O)—NH—CH(CH₃)₂ H (401) 143 B1 —N[CH₂—CH(CH₃)₂]₂ H mp. 238° C. 144 B13 —CH₂—CH(CH)₂ H mp. 160° C. 106 B6f —CH═C(CN)—C(═O)—C(CH₃)₃ H (E), mp. 193° C. 145 B9F

H (E), mp. 229° C. 146 B9F

H (Z), mp. 258° C. 147 B9Ea —CH═C(CN)—CH₂—CN H (Z/E = 88/12) (406) 148 B6c —C(CH₂—CH₃)═CH—CN H (E), mp. 173° C. 149 B6c —C(CH(CH₃)₂)═CH—CN H (E), mp. 132° C. 150 B6c —C(CH(CH₃)₂)═CH—CN H (Z), mp. 132° C. 151 B6b —CH═C(CH₃)—CN H (Z), mp. 246° C. 152 B6b —CH═C(CH₃)—CN H (E), mp. 201° C. 153 B13 —CH₂—CH(CH₃)—CN H mp. 187° C. 124 B15b —C(Cl)═CH—CN H 154 B9Ba —CH═CH—C(═O)—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CN H (E) 112 B9Ba —CH═CH—C(═O)—N(CH₃)₂ H (E), mp. >264° C. 155 B9Bc

H (E), mp. 156° C. 156 B9Bc

H (E), mp. 168° C. 157 B9Bc

H (E), mp. >265° C. 158 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₃ H (E), mp. >260° C. 114 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—N(CH₃)—(CH₂)₂—CN H (E), mp. 168° C. 159 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—N(CH₂—CH₃)₂ H (E), mp. 249° C. 160 B6b —C(CH₃)═C(CH₃)—CN H (E) 107 B9Aa —CH═CH—Cl H (Z), mp. 250° C. 161 B9Aa —CH═CH—Br H (Z), mp. 248° C. 111 B9Ad —CH═C(Br)₂ H mp. 223° C. 122 B9F

H (E), mp. 120° C. 162 B9F

H (E), mp. >260° C. 163 B9F

H mp. 128° C. 164 B9FF

H mp. 104° C. 125 B16a

H 104 B2c

H 165 B9F

H mp. 112° C. 166 B9F

H mp. 194° C. 167 B9F

H mp. 191° C. 126 B16b

H mp. >260° C. 168 B4c —CH₂—O—CH₂—CH₃ H mp. 201° C. 117 B9Da H —N(CH₃)₂ mp. 132° C. 120 B9Eb —CH═C(CN)₂ H 253 B17a/b —CH═CH—C(═O)NH₂ H (E) 254 B17b —CH═CH—C(═O)NH₂ H (E) HCl

[0453] TABLE 4

Comp No. Ex. No. R³ R¹ Physical data mp. ° C./(MH+)* 25 B6c —CH═CH—CN H mp. 256° C. 99 B3 —CH₂—CN H mp. 184° C. 100 B4b —CH₂—N(CH₂—CH₃)₂ H mp. 172° C. 102 B13 —CH₂—CH₂—CN H mp. 224° C. 101 B4b —CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—CN H mp. 196° C. 26 B14 —CH═CH—CN CH₃ mp. 195° C. 169 B9Bd —C(═O)—N(CH₂—CH₃)₂ H mp. 172° C. 170 B4b —CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CN H 171 B4b

H (398) 172 B2a

H mp. 158° C. 173 B4b —CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—N(CH₃)₂ H mp. 196° C. 174 B4b —CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH═N—CN H mp. 254° C. 175 B14 2-furanyl CH₃ mp. 178° C. 118 B9Db

H 164° C. 176 B14

CH₃ mp. 188° C. 177 B9Aa —CH═CH—Br H (Z), mp. 169° C. 110 B9Ac —CH═C(F)—CN H (E), mp. 254° C. 178 B6b —CH═C(CH₃)—CN H (Z) 179 B6b —CH═C(CH₃)—CN H (E) 180 B9Bb

H (E) 181 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—NH-cyclopropyl H (E) (426) 182 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—NH—CH₂—CH₂—N(CH₃)₂ H (E) (427) 183 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—NH—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₃ H (E) (458) 184 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—NH—CH₂—CH(CH₃)₂ H (E) (442) 185 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—NH—CH₂—CH₂—CN H (E) (439) 186 B9Bc

H (E) (468) 187 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—NH—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—N(CH₃)₂ H (E) (471) 188 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—NH—(CH₂)₃—O—CH₂—CH₃ H (E) (472) 189 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—NH—CH₂—CH₃ H (E) (414) 190 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—NH—CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₃ H (E) (444) 191 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—NH—CH(CH₃)₂ H (E) (428) 192 B4b

H (E) (491) 193 B4b

H (E) (444) 194 B4b —CH═CH—CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—CN H (E) (439) 195

H (E) (483) 196 B4b —CH═CH—CH₂—N(CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₃)₂ H (E) (488) 197 B4b

H (E) (476) 198 B4b —CH═CH—CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—CH₃ H (E) (428) 199 B4b —CH═CH—CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—N(CH₂—CH₃)₂ H (E) (485) 200 B4b —CH═CH—CH₂—N(CH₂—CH₃)—CH₃ H (E) (414) 201 B4b —CH═CH—CH₂—N(CH₂—CH₂—CH₃)₂ H (E) (456) 202 B4b —CH═CH—CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₃ H (E) (442) 203 B4b

H (E) (438) 204 B4b

H (E) (442) 205 B4b

H (E) (455) 206 B4b —CH═CH—CH₂—N(benzyl)-CH₂—CH₂—N(CH₃)₂ H (E) (533) 207 B4b —CH═CH—CH₂—N(CH₃)₂ H (E) (457) 208 B4b —CH═CH—CH₂—N(isopropyl)₂ H (E) (456) 121 B9Bb —CH═CH—C(═O)—NH₂ H (E) 209 B9Bb

H (E), mp. 116° C. 210 B9Bb

H (E), mp. 254° C. 211 B9Bb —CH═CH—C(═O)—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—OH H (E), mp. 222° C. 212 B9Ba —CH═CH—C(═O)—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CN H (E), mp. 198° C. 213 B6c —C(CH₃)═CH—CN H (E) 214 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—CN H (E), mp. 204° C. 215 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₃ H (E), mp. 211° C. 216 B9Bc

H (E), mp. 246° C. 217 B9Bc —CH═CH—C(═O)—N(CH₂—CH₃)₂ H (E), mp. 226° C. 218 B9Bc

H (E), mp. 196° C. 219 B9Ba —CH═CH—C(═O)—N(CH₃)₂ H (E), mp. 225° C. 220 B9E —CH═C(CN)—CH₂—CN H (Z), mp. 195° C. 109 B9Ab —CH═CH—Cl H (E), mp. 200° C. 108 B9Ab —CH═CH—Cl H (Z), mp. 165° C. 221 B9Ba —CH═CH—C(═O)—NH—CH₃ H (E), mp. 260° C. 222 B9Bb —CH═CH—C(═O)—N(CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₃)₂ H (E), mp. 158° C. 223 B9Bb

H (E), mp. 208° C. 224 B9Bb

H (E), mp. 208° C. 113 B9Bb —CH═CH—C(═O)—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₃ H (E), mp. 212° C. 225 B4b —CH₂—N(CH₂—CH₂—CN)₂ H mp. 154° C. 226 B2a 2-furanyl H mp. 162° C.

[0454] TABLE 5

Comp No. Ex. No. R³ R^(4a) R^(4b) X¹ Physical data mp. ° C. 227 B13 —CH₂—CH₂—CN CH₃ H —NH mp. 186° C. 228 B4b —CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CN CH₃ H —NH mp. 138° C. 229 B6b —CH═C(CH₃)—CN CH₃ H —NH mp. 190° C. 230 B6c —CH═CH—CN CH₃ H —O— (E), mp. 254° C. 231 B6b —CH═C(CH₃)—CN CH₃ H —O— mp. 150° C. 232 B6c —C(CH₃)═CH—CN CH₃ H —O— (E), mp. 234° C. 105 B4d —CH₂—O—CH₂—CH₃ CH₃ H —O— mp. 140° C. 233 B6b —CH═C(CH₃)—CN CH₃ Cl —NH mp. 214° C. 234 B13 —CH₂—CH₂—CN CH₃ H —O— mp. 199° C. 235 B13 —CH(CH₃)—CH₂—CN CH₃ H —O— mp. 195° C. 236 B13 —CH₂—CH(CH₃)—CN CH₃ H —O— mp. 161° C. 237 B6c —CH═CH—CN CH₃ H —NH (E), mp. >264° C. 238 B3 —CH₂—CN CH₃ Cl —NH mp. 184° C. 239 B6c —CH═CH—CN CH₃ 2-furanyl —NH (E) mp. 175° C. 119 B9E —CH═C(CN)—CH₂—CN CH₃ 2-furanyl —NH 240 B9F

CH₃ Cl —NH mp. 248° C. Z/E = 50/50 241 B4b —CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—CN CH₃ Br —NH mp. 148° C. 242 B1 —CH═CH—CN H isopropyl —NH (E) 30%-(Z) 70% 243 B4b —CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—CN CH₃ Cl —NH mp. 85° C. 244 B6c —CH═CH—CN H Br —NH (E), mp. 270° C. 245 B6c —CH═CH—CN H —OCH₃ —NH (E), mp. 258° C. 246 B6b —C(CH₃)═C(CH₃)—CN CH₃ H —O— (E), mp. 214° C. 247 B6b —CH═C(CH₃)—CN CH₃ Br —NH mp. 212° C. 248 B6c —CH═CH—CN CH₃ Br —NH (E), mp. 250° C. 249 B6b —CH═C(CH₃)—CN H —OCH₃ —NH mp. 166° C. 250 B6b —CH═C(CH₃)—CN H Br —NH mp. 186° C. 251 B13 —CH₂—CH₂—CN H —OCH₃ —NH mp. 228° C. 252 B4c —CH₂—O—CH₂—CH₂—CN H Cl —NH mp. 168° C. 133 B6c —CH═CH—CN CH₃ Cl —NH (E), mp, 258° C.

C. PHARMACOLOGICAL EXAMPLE

[0455] The pharmacological activity of the present compounds was examined using the following test.

[0456] A rapid, sensitive and automated assay procedure was used for the in vitro evaluation of anti-HIV agents. An HIV-1 transformed T4-cell line, MT-4, which was previously shown (Koyanagi et al., Int. J. Cancer, 36, 445-451, 1985) to be highly susceptible to and permissive for HIV infection, served as the target cell line. Inhibition of the HIV-induced cytopathic effect was used as the end point. The viability of both HIV- and mock-infected cells was assessed spectrophotometrically via the in situ reduction of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MI). The 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀ in M) was defined as the concentration of compound that reduced the absorbance of the mock-infected control sample by 50%. The percent protection achieved by the compound in HIV-infected cells was calculated by the following formula: ${\frac{\left( {OD}_{T} \right)_{HIV} - \left( {OD}_{C} \right)_{HIV}}{\left( {OD}_{C} \right)_{MOCK} - \left( {OD}_{C} \right)_{HIV}}\quad {expressed}\quad {in}\quad \%},$

[0457] whereby (OD_(T))_(HIV) is the optical density measured with a given concentration of the test compound in HIV-infected cells; (OD_(C))_(HIV) is the optical density measured for the control untreated HIV-infected cells; (OD_(C))_(MOCK) is the optical density measured for control untreated mock-infected cells; all optical density values were determined at 540 nm. The dose achieving 50% protection according to the above formula was defined as the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀ in M). The ratio of CC₅₀ to IC₅₀ was defined as the selectivity index (SI).

[0458] Table 6 lists the pIC₅₀ (−log IC₅₀), pCC₅₀ (−log CC₅₀) and pSI (pCC₅₀-pIC₅₀) values for the compounds of formula (I). For example, a compound with a IC₅₀ value of 10⁻⁹M, i.e. pIC₅₀=9, and a CC₅₀ value of 10⁻⁵ M, i.e. pCC₅₀=5, has a SI of 10⁻⁵ M/10⁻⁹M=10.000, i.e. a pSI of 5−9=−4. TABLE 6 Co. No. pIC₅₀ (M) pCC₅₀ (M) pSI 21 8.4 4.9 −3.5 3 8.4 5.5 −2.9 1 9.4 5.0 −4.4 34 8.0 4.8 −3.2 19 8.4 4.8 −3.6 45 8.7 5.0 −3.8 49 8.0 4.8 −3.2 70 8.1 4.8 −3.3 75 9.0 5.0 −4.0 78 8.4 4.9 −3.5 79 8.0 5.3 −2.7 84 9.0 4.5 −4.5 18 8.8 4.9 −4.0 25 9 4 −5 24 9.1 5.7 −3.4 81 9.1 5.6 −3.5 11 9.2 5.7 −3.5 10 9.2 6.3 −2.9 174 8.8 5.3 −3.5 227 9.5 <4.0 <−5.5 144 8.6 6.4 −2.2 229 8.8 <4.0 <−4.8 118 8.4 4.1 <−4.1 177 8.3 <4.0 <−4.3 106 7.7 5.2 −2.5 145 8.7 5.3 −3.4 147 9.4 5.7 −3.7 148 8.8 4.9 −3.9 230 9.2 <4.0 <−5.2 231 9.2 <4.0 <−5.2 232 8.4 <4.0 <−4.4 105 7.2 <4.0 <−3.2 110 8.6 4.3 −4.3 233 9.3 5.7 −3.6 234 8.7 <4.0 <−4.7 235 9.3 <4.0 <−5.3 236 8.8 <4.0 <−4.8 149 9.1 5.3 −3.8 150 8.8 4.8 −4.0 237 8.9 <4.0 <−4.9 151 9.1 5.5 −3.6 152 9.1 4.8 −4.3 178 8.8 5.7 −3.1 179 8.9 <4.0 <−4.9 153 9.2 6.3 −2.9 124 8.5 4.7 −3.8 238 9.5 5.6 −3.9 112 9.1 4.9 −4.2 244 9.2 4 −5.2 209 8.6 4.9 −3.7 210 8.3 4.8 −3.5 155 8.8 6.3 −2.5 156 7.7 5.1 −2.6 158 8 5.5 −2.5 212 9.1 5 −4.1 114 8.6 5.1 −3.5 213 9 4.8 −4.2 214 8.6 5.1 −3.5 215 9.1 5.5 −3.6 216 8.2 5 −3.6 219 9.1 5 −4.1 245 8.8 4 −4.8 146 8.4 5.4 −3 247 9.2 6.2 −3 248 9.3 5.7 −3.5 249 8.5 4 −4.5 42 9 6.3 −2.7 251 8.9 5 −3.9 133 9.2 4 −5.2 9 8.8 4.8 −4 239 8.9 5 −3.9 241 9.4 5.3 −4.1 126 8.4 4.9 −3.5 

1. A compound of formula

a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine, or a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- represents a bivalent radical of formula —CH═CH—CH═CH—  (a-1); —N═CH—CH═CH—  (a-2); —N═CH—N═CH—  (a-3); —N═CH—CH═N—  (a-4); or —N═N—CH═CH—  (a-5); -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- represents a bivalent radical of formula —CH═CH—CH═CH—  (b-1); —N═CH—CH═CH—  (b-2); —N═CH—N═CH—  (b-3); —N═CH—CH═N—  (b-4); or —N═N—CH═CH—  (b-5); n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; and in case -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- is (a-1), then n may also be 5; m is 1, 2, or
 3. and in case -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- is (b-1), then m may also be 4; R¹is hydrogen; aryl; formyl; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, or C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyloxy; or C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; each R² independently is hydroxy, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with cyano or —C(═O)R⁶, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms or cyano, C₂₋₆alkynyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms or cyano, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, polyhalomethyl, polyhalomethylthio, —S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —NH—S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —C(═O)R⁶, —NHC(═O)H, —C(═O)NHNH₂, —NHC(═O)R⁶,—C(═NH)R⁶, or a radical of formula

wherein each A¹ independently is N, CH or CR⁶; and A₂ is NH, O, S or NR⁶; X¹ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, C₁₋₄alkanediyl, —CHOH—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—, —X₂—C₁₋₄alkanediyl- or —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X₂—; X₂ is —NR—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —CHOH—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; R³ is NHR¹³; NR¹³R¹⁴; —C(═O)—NHR¹³; —C(═O)—NR¹³R¹⁴; —C(═O)—R¹⁵; —CH═N—NH—C(═O)—R¹⁶; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl, and R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl and R⁷, and wherein 2 hydrogen atoms bound at the same carbon atom are replaced by C₁₋₄alkanediyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with hydroxy and a second substituent selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl, and R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl and R⁷; C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl and R⁷; C₂₋₆alkynyl substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from halo, cyano, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl and R⁷; —C(═N—O—R⁸)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R⁷; or —X₃—R⁷; X₃ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—, —X₂—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-, —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X_(2a)—, —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X_(2b)—C₁₋₄alkanediyl, or —C(═N—OR⁸)—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-; with X_(2a)being —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; and with X_(2b)being —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —C(═O)—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; R⁴ is halo, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, formyl, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, or R⁷; R⁵ is hydrogen; aryl; formyl; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl or C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyloxy; or C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; R⁶ is C₁₋₄alkyl, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino or polyhaloC₁₋₄alkyl; R⁷ is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, —CH(═N—O—R⁸), R^(7a), X₃—R^(7a), and R^(7a)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R^(7a)is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, and —CH(═N—O—R⁸); R⁸ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, aryl, or arylC₁₋₄alkyl; R⁹ and R¹⁰ each independently are hydrogen; hydroxy; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxy; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; amino; mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino; mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminocarbonyl; —CH(═NR¹¹); or R⁷; wherein each of the aforementioned C₁₋₆alkyl groups may optionally and each individually be substituted with one or two substituents each independently selected from hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyloxy, carboxyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, cyano, amino, imino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, polyhalomethyl, polyhalomethyloxy, polyhalomethylthio, —S(═O)_(p)R⁶,—NH—S(═O)_(p)R⁶,—C(═O)R⁶, —NHC(═O)H, —C(═O)NHNH₂, —NHC(═O)R⁶,—C(═NH)R⁶, and R⁷; or R⁹ and R¹⁰ may be taken together to form a bivalent or trivalent radical of formula —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—  (d-1), —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—  (d-2), —CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₂—CH₂—  (d-3), —CH₂—CH₂—S—CH₂—CH₂—  (d-4), —CH₂—CH₂—NR¹²—CH₂—CH₂—  (d-5), —CH₂—CH═CH—CH₂—  (d-6), or ═CH—CH═CH—CH═CH—  (d-7); R¹¹ is cyano; C₁₋₄alkyl optionally substituted with C₁₋₄alkyloxy, cyano, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino or aminocarbonyl; C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl; aminocarbonyl; or mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)aminocarbonyl; R¹² is hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl; R¹³ and R¹⁴ each independently are C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl, or C₂₋₆alkynyl optionally substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl; R¹⁵ is C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl; R¹⁶ is C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl, or R⁷; p is 1 or 2; aryl is phenyl or phenyl substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, R⁷, and —X₃—R⁷.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R³ is C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with at least one substituent selected from cyano, aminocarbonyl, NR⁹R¹⁰ and R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with at least one substituent selected from cyano, aminocarbonyl, NR⁹R¹⁰, and R⁷ and wherein 2 hydrogen atoms bound at the same carbon atom are replaced by C₁₋₄alkanediyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with hydroxy and a second substituent selected from cyano, aminocarbonyl, NR⁹R¹⁰, and R⁷; C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkyl substituted with at least one substituent selected from cyano, aminocarbonyl, NR⁹R¹⁰, and R⁷; C₂₋₆alkenyl substituted with at least one substituent selected from cyano, aminocarbonyl, NR⁹R¹⁰, and R⁷; C₂₋₆alkynyl substituted with at least one substituent selected from cyano, aminocarbonyl, NR⁹R¹⁰, and R⁷; —C(═N—O—R⁸)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R⁷ or —X₃—R⁷; R⁴ is halo, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, formyl, amino, or mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino; R⁷ is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, R^(7a), —X₃—R^(7a) and R^(7a)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R^(7a)is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, and aminocarbonyl; R⁹ and R¹⁰ each independently are one of hydrogen; hydroxy; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxy; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; amino; mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino; mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminocarbonyl, and R⁷ wherein each of the aforementioned C₁₋₆alkyl groups may optionally and each individually be substituted with one or two substituents each independently selected from hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyloxy, carboxyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, cyano, amino, imino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, polyhalomethyl, polyhalomethyloxy, polyhalomethylthio, —S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —NH—S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —C(═O)R⁶, —NHC(═O)H, —C(═O)NHNH₂, —NHC(═O)R⁶,—C(═NH)R⁶, and R⁷.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 having the formula

wherein -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴-, -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴-, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, m and X₁ are as defined in claim 1; n′ is 0, 1, 2 or 3 and in case -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- is (a-1), then n′ may also be 4; and R^(2′) is halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, trihalomethyl, trihalomethyloxy, cyano, aminocarbonyl, or C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl; provided that R^(2′) is placed at the para position in respect of the NR¹ moiety.
 4. A compound according to claim 1 having the formula

wherein -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴-, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, m and X₁ are as defined in claim 1; n′ is 0, 1, 2 or 3 and in case -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- is (a-1) then n′ may also be 4, and R^(2′) is halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, trihalomethyl, trihalomethyloxy, cyano, aminocarbonyl, or C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl.
 5. A compound according to claim 1 having the formula

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴ and X₁ are as defined in claim 1; n′ is 0, 1, 2 or 3 and in case -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- is (a-1), then n′ may also be 4, and R^(2′) is halo, C₁₋₆alkyl, trihalomethyl, trihalomethyloxy, cyano, aminocarbonyl, or C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl.
 6. A compound according to claim 3 wherein R^(2′) is cyano, aminocarbonyl, or C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with cyano or aminocarbonyl.
 7. (canceled)
 8. A method for the prevention or the treatment of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection, said method comprising administering an effective amount of a compound as claimed in claim
 1. 9. A method for the prevention or the treatment of a drug resistant HIV infection, comprising administering an effective amount of a compound as claimed in claim
 1. 10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising as an active ingredient a compound as claimed in claim
 1. 11. A process for preparing a pharmaceutical composition according to claim 10, comprising mixing a therapeutically effective amount of a compound as claimed in claim 1 with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 12. A process for preparing a compound as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a) reacting an intermediate of formula (II) with an intermediate of formula (III)

with W₁ being a suitable leaving group, and R¹, R², R³, R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹ =a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1; b) reacting an intermediate of formula (IV) with an intermediate of formula (V) in the presence of a suitable catalyst, a suitable salt and a suitable solvent

with W₂ being a suitable leaving group, and R¹, R², R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1 and R^(7′) representing a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic aromatic ring system and R^(a) representing a boronate or a tri(C₁₋₄alkyl)stannane; c) reacting an intermediate of formula (IV) with an intermediate of formula (VI)

with W₂ being a suitable leaving group, and R¹, R², R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1 and R^(7″) representing a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated ring system; d) reacting an intermediate of formula (VII) with a suitable cyanide salt in the presence of a suitable solvent

with W₃ being a suitable leaving group, and R¹, R², R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1; e) reacting an intermediate of formula (VII) with an intermediate of formula (VIII) optionally in the presence of a suitable salt and a suitable solvent

with W₃ being a suitable leaving group, and R¹, R², R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1 and Q representing R ⁷; NR⁹R¹⁰ or C₁₋₆alkyloxy optionally substituted with CN, R⁷ or NR⁹R¹⁰; f) reacting an intermediate of formula (IX) with an intermediate of formula (X) in the presence of a suitable solvent

with R¹, R², R⁴, R⁸, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1; g) reacting an intermediate of formula (XI) with a Wittig or Homer-Emmons reagens of formula (XII) representing a suitable precursor of a phosphorus ylide in the presence of a suitable salt and a suitable solvent

with R¹, R², R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1, R^(c) representing hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl, R^(c′) representing hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl or R⁷, provided that CR^(c′)═CR^(c) is limited to C₂₋₆alkenyl, and R^(b) representing (Phenyl)₃P⁺—Cl⁻ or (CH₃CH₂—O)₂P(═O)—; h) reacting an intermediate of formula (XI) with an intermediate of formula (XIII) in the presence of a suitable solvent

with R¹, R², R⁴, R⁷, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1, R^(c) representing hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl, R^(c″) representing NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; i) reacting an intermediate of formula (XI-b) with 2-butenedlintrile in the presence of tributylphosphine and a suitable solvent

with R¹, R², R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1; j) reacting an intermediate of formula (XI-b) with propanedintrile in the presence of a suitable base and a suitable solvent

k) reacting an intermediate of formula (XI-b) with CH₃—CN in the presence of a suitable proton abstracting agent, a suitable substrate for the proton abstracting agent and in the presence of a suitable solvent

with R¹, R², R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1; l) reacting an intermediate of formula (XI) with a Wittig or Homer-Emmons reagens of formula (XII′) representing a suitable precursor of a phosphorus ylide in the presence of nBuLi and a suitable solvent

with R¹, R², R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1, R^(c) representing hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl, R^(c′) representing hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl or R⁷, provided that CR^(c″)═CR^(c) is limited to C₂₋₆alkenyl, and R^(b) representing (Phenyl)₃P⁺—Cl⁻ or (CH₃CH₂—O)₂P(═O)—; m) reacting an intermediate of formula (XI-a) with an intermediate of formula (XIII′) in the presence of a suitable Homer-Emmons reagent, nBuLi, 1,1,1-trimethyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-silanamine, and a suitable solvent

with R¹, R², R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1, R^(c) representing hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl, R^(c″) representing CN, NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—NR⁹R¹⁰, —C(═O)—C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁷; n) reacting an intermediate of formula (XVIII) with CBr₄ in the presence of a suitable catalyst salt, a suitable base and a suitable solvent

reacting an intermediate of formula (XIV) with Cl₂C═S in the presence of a suitable solvent

R¹, R², R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1; p) reacting an intermediate of formula (XV) with an intermediate of formula (XVI) in the presence of a suitable solvent

with R¹, R², R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1; q) reacting an intermediate of formula (XXIX) with an intermediate of formula (XXX) in the presence of hydroxybenzotriazole and ethyldimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide, a suitable solvent and optionally in the presence of a suitable base

with R¹, R², R⁴, R⁹, R¹⁰,X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1 and C₂₋₆alkenyl' representing C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted with cyano; r) reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXI) with an intermediate of formula (XXXII-1) or (XXXII-2) in the presence of hydroxybenzotriazole, ethyldimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide and a suitable solvent, and optionally in the presence of a suitable base

with R¹, R², R⁴, R¹³, R¹⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1; s) reacting an intermediate of formula (XI-b) with an intermediate of formula (XXXIII) in the presence of a suitable solvent

with R¹, R², R⁴, R¹⁶, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1; t) reductive methylation of an intermediate of formula (XXXIV) with formaldehyde in the presence of a suitable catalyst, a suitable reductive agent and a suitable solvent

with R¹, R², R⁴, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1; u) reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXIV) with 2,5-dimnethoxytetrahydrofuran in the presence of a suitable acid

with R¹, R², R⁴ , X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim 1; and v) reacting an intermediate of formula (XXXV) with an intermediate of formula (XXXVI) in the presence of nBuLi and a suitable solvent

with R¹, R², R⁴, R⁷, X₁, m, n, -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- and -b¹=b ²-b³=b⁴- as defined in claim
 1. 13. A product containing (a) a compound according to claim 1, and (b) another antiretroviral compound, as a combined preparation.
 14. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and as active ingredients (a) a compound according to claim 1, and (b) another antiretroviral compound.
 15. A compound of formula

a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine, or a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- represents a bivalent radical of formula —CH═CH—CH═CH—  (a-1); —N═CH—CH═CH—  (a-2); —N═CH—N═CH—  (a-3): —N═CH—CH═N—  (a-4); or —N═N—CH═CH—  (a-5); -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- represents a bivalent radical of formula —CH═CH—CH═CH—  (b-1); —N═CH—CH═CH—  (b-2); —N═CH—N═CH—  (b-3); —N═CH—CH═N—  (b-4); or —N═N—CH═CH—  (b-5); n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; and in case -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- is (a-1), then n may also be 5; m is 1, 2 or 3 and in case -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- is (b-1) then m may also be 4; R¹ is hydrogen, aryl: formyl: C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl: C₁₋₆alkyl: C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, or C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyloxy; or C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; each R² independently is hydroxy, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with cyano or —C(═O)R⁶, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms or cyano C₂₋₆alkynyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms or cyano, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, polyhalomethyl, polyhalomethylthio, —S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —NH—S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —C(═O)R⁶, —NHC(═O)H, —C(═O)NHNH₂, —NHC(═O)R⁶,—C(═NH)R⁶ or a radical of formula

wherein each A₁ independently is N, CH or CR⁶, and A₂ is NH, O, S or NR⁶, X₁ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—. —C(═O)—, C₁₋₄alkanediyl, —CHOH—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—, —X₂—C₁₋₄alkanediyl—, or —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X₂—; X₂ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —CHOH—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; X₃ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—, —X₂—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-, —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X_(2a)—, —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X_(2b)—C₁₋₄alkanediyl, or —C(═N—OR⁸)—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-; with X_(2a) being —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; and with X_(2b) being —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —C(═O)—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; R⁴ is halo, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, formyl, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, or R⁷; R⁵ is hydrogen; aryl; formyl; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl or C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyloxy; or C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; R⁶ is C₁₋₄alkyl, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, or polyhaloC₁₋₄alkyl; R⁷ is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, —CH(═N—O—R⁸), R^(7a), —X₃—R^(7a), and R^(7a)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R^(7a) is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl. hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl and —CH(═N—O—R⁸); R⁸ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, aryl, or arylC₁₋₄alkyl; p is 1 or 2; aryl is phenyl or phenyl substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, R⁷, and —X₃—R⁷; and W₃ represents a suitable leaving group.
 16. A compound of formula

a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine, or a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- represents a bivalent radical of formula —CH═CH—CH═CH—  (a-1); —N═CH—CH═CH—  (a-2); —N═CH—N═CH—  (a-3); —N═CH—CH═N—  (a-4); or —N═N—CH═CH—  (a-5); -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- represents a bivalent radical of formula —CH═CH—CH═CH—  (b-1); —N═CH—CH═CH—  (b-2); —N═CH—N═CH—  (b-3); —N═CH—CH═N—  (b-4); or —N═N—CH═CH—  (b-5); n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4: and in case -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- is (a-1), then n may also be 5; m is 1, 2, or 3; and in case -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- is (b-1), then m may also be 4; R¹ is hydrogen; aryl; formyl; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, or C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyloxy; or C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; each R² independently is hydroxy, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with cyano or —C(═O)R⁶, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms or cyano, C₂₋₆alkynyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms or cyano, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, polyhalomethyl, polyhalomethylthio, —S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —NH—S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —C(═O)R⁶, —NHC(═O)H, —C(═O)NHNH₂, —NHC(═O)R⁶, —C(═NH)R⁶ or a radical of formula

wherein each A₁ independently is N, CH or CR⁶; and A₂ is NH, O, S or NR⁶; X₁ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, C₁₋₄alkanediyl, —CHOH—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—, —X₂—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-, or —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X₂—; X₂ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —CHOH—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; X₃ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—, —X₂—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-, —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X_(2a)—, C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X_(2b)—C₁₄alkanediyl, or —C(═N—OR⁸)—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-, with X_(2a) being —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; and with X_(2b) being —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —C(═O)—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; R⁴ is halo, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, formyl, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, or R⁷; R⁵ is hydrogen; aryl; formyl; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl or C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyloxy, or C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; R⁶ is C₁₋₄alkyl, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, or polyhaloC₁₋₄alkyl; R⁷ is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, —CH(═N—O—R⁸), R^(7a), —X₃—R^(7a), and R^(7a)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R^(7a) is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, and —CH(═N—O—R⁸; R⁸ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, aryl, or arylC₁₋₄alkyl; p is 1 or 2; aryl is phenyl or phenyl substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, R⁷, and —X₃—R⁷.
 17. A compound of formula

a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine or a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- represents a bivalent radical of formula —CH═CH—CH═CH—  (a-1); —N═CH—CH═CH—  (a-2); —N═CH—N═CH—  (a-3); —N═CH—CH═N—(a-4); or —N═N—CH═CH—(a-5); -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- represents a bivalent radical of formula —CH═CH—CH═CH—  (b-1); —N═CH—CH═CH—  (b-2); —N═CH—N═CH—  (b-3); —N═CH—CH═N—  (b-4); or —N═N—CH═CH—  (b-5); n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; and in case -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- is (a-1); then n may also be 5; m is 1, 2, or 3; and in case -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- is (b-1); then m may also be 4; R¹ is hydrogen; aryl; formyl; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, or C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyloxy; or C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; each R² independently is hydroxy, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with cyano or —C(═O)R⁶, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms or cyano, C₁₋₆alkynyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms or cyano, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, polyhalomethyl, polyhalomethylthio, —S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —NH—S(═O)_(p)R⁶, —C(═O)R⁶, —NHC(═O)H, —C(═O)NHNH₂, —NHC(═O)R⁶,—C(═NH)R⁶, or a radical of formula

wherein each A₁ independently is N, CH or CR⁶; and A₂ is NH, O, S or NR⁶; X₁ is —NR—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, C₁₋₄alkanediyl, —CHOH—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—, —X₂—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-, or —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X₂—; X₂ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —CHOH—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; X₃ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—, —X₂—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-, —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X_(2a)—, C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X_(2b)—C₁₋₄alkanediyl, or —C(═N—OR⁸)—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-; with X_(2a) being —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; and with X_(2b) being —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —C(═O)—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; R⁴ is halo, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, formyl, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, or R⁷; R⁵ is hydrogen; aryl; formyl; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl or C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyloxy; or C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; R⁶ is C₁₋₄alkyl, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, or polyhaloC₁₋₄alkyl; R⁷ is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, —CH(═N—O—R⁸), R^(7a), —X₃—R^(7a), and R ^(7a) C₁₋₄alkyl; R^(7a) is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, and —CH(═N—O—R⁸); R⁸ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, aryl, or arylC₁₋₄alkyl; p is 1 or 2; aryl is phenyl or phenyl substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, R⁷, and —X₃—R⁷; and C₂₋₆alkenyl' represents C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted with cyano.
 18. A compound of formula

a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine, or a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- represents a bivalent radical of formula —CH═CH—CH═CH—  (a-1); —N═CH—CH═CH—  (a-2); —N═CH—N═CH—  (a-3); —N═CH—CH═N—  (a-4); or —N═N—CH═CH—  (a-5); -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- represents a bivalent radical of formula —CH═CH—CH═CH—  (b-1); —N═CH—CH═CH—  (b-2); —N═CH—N═CH—  (b-3); —N═CH—CH═N—  (b-4); or —N═N—CH═CH—  (b-5); n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; and in case -a¹=a²-a³=a⁴- is (a-1), then n may also be 5; m is 1, 2, or 3; and in case -b¹=b²-b³=b⁴- is (b-1), then m may also be 4; R¹ is hydrogen; aryl; formyl; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, or C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyloxy, or C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; each R² independently is hydroxy, halo, C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with cyano or —C(═O)R⁶, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms or cyano, C₂₋₆alkynyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms or cyano, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)amino, polyhalomethyl, polyhalomethylthio. —S(═O)R⁶, —NH—S(═O)R⁶, —C(═O)R⁶, —NHC(═O)H, —C(═O)NHNH₂, —NHC(═O)R⁶, —C(═NH)R⁶, or a radical of formula

wherein each A₁ independently is N, CH or CR⁶; and A₂ is NH, O, S or NR⁶; X₁ is —NR—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, C₁₋₄alkanediyl. —CHOH—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p), —X₂—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-, or —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X₂—; X₂ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —CHOH—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; X₃ is —NR—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—, —X₂—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-, —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X_(2a)—, —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X_(2b)—C₁₋₄alkanediyl, or —C(═N—OR⁸)—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-; with X_(2a) being —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; and with X_(2b) being —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —C(═O)—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; R⁴ is halo, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, formyl, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, or R⁷; R⁵ is hydrogen; aryl; formyl; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl or C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyloxy; or C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; R⁶ is C₁₋₄alkyl, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, or polyhaloC₁₋₄alkyl; R⁷ is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, —CH(═N—O—R⁸), R^(7a), —X₃—R^(7a), and R^(7a)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R^(7a) is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, and —CH(═N—O—R⁸); R⁸ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, aryl, or arylC₁₋₄alkyl; p is 1 or 2; aryl is phenyl or phenyl substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, R⁷, and —X₃—R⁷; and C₂₋₆alkenyl' represents C₂₋₆alkenyl optionally substituted with cyano.
 19. A compound of formula

a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine, or a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein R⁴ is halo, hydroxy, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, formyl, amino, mono- or di(C₁₋₄alkyl)amino, or R⁷; X₁ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, C₁₋₄alkanediyl, —CHOH—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—, —X₂—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-, or —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X—₂—; X₂ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —CHOH—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; X₃ is —NR⁵—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —S—, —S(═O)_(p)—, —X₂—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-, —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X_(2a)—, —C₁₋₄alkanediyl-X_(2b)—C₁₋₄alkanediyl, or —C(═N—OR⁸)—C₁₋₄alkanediyl-; with X_(2a) being —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; and with X_(2b) being —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —C(═O)—, —S—, or —S(═O)_(p)—; R⁵ is hydrogen; aryl; formyl; C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl or C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyloxy; or C₁₋₆alkyloxyC₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl substituted with C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl; R⁷is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, —CH(═N—O—R⁸), R^(7a), —X₃—R^(7a), and R^(7a)—C₁₋₄alkyl; R^(7a) is a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic carbocycle or a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic saturated, partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle, wherein each of said carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems may optionally be substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, formyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, and —CH(═N—O—R⁸); R⁸ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, aryl, or arylC₁₋₄alkyl; p is 1 or 2; and aryl is phenyl or phenyl substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkylthio, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyl, polyhaloC₁₋₆alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, R⁷, and —X₃—R⁷.
 20. A method according to claim 12, further comprising converting the compounds of formula (I) into each other following art-known transformations.
 21. A method according to claim 12, further comprising converting the compounds of formula (I) into a therapeutically active non-toxic acid addition salt by treatment with an acid.
 22. A method according to claim 12, further comprising converting the compounds of formula (I) into a therapeutically active non-toxic acid addition salt and converting said salt into a free base by treatment with an alkali.
 23. A method according to claim 12, further comprising preparing a stereochemically isomeric form, an N-oxide form, or a quaternary amine thereof.
 24. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 10, further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 